Who Rosalind is
Rosalind belongs to a family divided by power, since Duke Frederick has driven her father, Duke Senior, into exile. She remains at court because Frederick's daughter Celia cannot bear to part with her.
When Frederick orders Rosalind to leave, Celia chooses to go with her rather than remain in comfort. Rosalind dresses as a young man called Ganymede for protection on the journey to Arden.
What Rosalind wants
Rosalind falls in love with Orlando at the court wrestling match, where his bravery and courtesy move her. In the forest, she discovers his love poems hanging on trees and reads them with delight and teasing.
Still disguised, she offers to play Rosalind so that Orlando can practise wooing her and supposedly cure his lovesickness. Her real purpose is to test his love and hear what he has to say.
How Rosalind changes
What begins as a practical disguise gives Rosalind a new freedom to argue, tease and lead conversations. As Ganymede, she questions the claims lovers make in poems while giving Orlando chances to prove his faithfulness.
Her disguise also complicates the forest's courtships when Phoebe falls for Ganymede. Rosalind's wit lets her guide these conversations, even while she conceals her own feelings and identity.
A best-known line
“Can one desire too much of a good thing?”
Questions
Who is Rosalind's father?
Rosalind's father is Duke Senior, the rightful duke living in exile in the Forest of Arden.
Why does Rosalind disguise herself as Ganymede?
She first adopts the disguise for safety on the road to Arden. It also allows her to speak more freely and test Orlando without revealing herself.
How are Rosalind and Celia related?
Rosalind and Celia are cousins who share the closeness of sisters. Celia leaves court with Rosalind when Duke Frederick banishes her.