I'm Speechless
These two characters are often on stage, invisible to the rest of the characters, creating dramatic irony as the audience is aware these two are there.
Who is Oberon and Puck?
The reason why Lysander and Hermia are going into the woods at the end of Act I.
What is to elope (wed) in another city, away from Athenian law?
Hermia's three choices are....to marry someone she does not love, to be banished to a convent, and...
What is "to die" under Athenian law for disobeying her father?
The character is mad because his daughter refuses to obey his wish for whom he wants her to marry.
Who is Egeus?
The language of the mechanicals.
What is "prose"?
This character in Act 1, according to Theseus, is without "cheer" - being present in the conversation over Hermia's choices, but having little to no lines.
Who is Hippolyta?
The reason why the mechanicals run away from Bottom the Weaver while rehearsing in the wood.
The mechanicals are contracted to perform a "lamentable comedy" at the wedding of Hippolyta and Theseus - the tragedy of....
What is Pyramus and Thisbe?
This character is determined to "woo in another key", focusing more on merriment than force.
Who is Theseus?
The language of the lovers.
This character has trouble memorizing lines, which is why his part is "extempore" as the lion, meaning - it is nothing by roaring.
Who is Snug the Joiner?
To follow Demetrius, who is following Hermia.
This character has a "beard-a-coming" and does not want to play a female part in the "play-within-the-play."
Who is Flute?
This character is angry at the "negligence" of his servant not knowing what he meant by "Athenian garments"?
Who is Oberon?
The term for a section of dialogue marked off by parentheses that could be delivered directly to the audience or as the inner thoughts of a character (whispered and not for other characters to hear).
An aside
Who is Hermia?
Puck accidentally places the flower on this Athenian's eyes.
Who is Lysander?
Who is the changeling boy?
This character is irritated at Bottom's constant need to control the play.
Who is Quince? (Peter Quince)
Bottom's name, Lysander's riddles
What is a "pun"?
In the "play within the play," these characters are replaced with personification of both the wall and the moon.
Who are the parents of Pyramus and Thisbe?
How long it takes Puck to retrieve the flower.
What is 40 minutes?
The father of Hermia, he declares that Hermia is his to dispose and disfigure, just as a god could do with one of his creations.
Who is Egeus?
This character believes her friends are mocking her and her love to Demetrius.
Who is Helena?
When a mechanical says the wrong thing and means to say another.
What is a "malapropism"?