Act 1and 2: Character Analysis

In A Midsummer Night's Dream, a play written by Shakespeare (edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine), Helena is one of the four lovers the story revolves around. The two males of the four, Lysander and Demetrius, are both infatuated with Hermia, she only returning the affections of Lysander. Helena is caught up in a one-sided love for Demetrius whom had once returned her feelings and had in fact slept with her before devoting himself to Hermia. Things are further complicated as Hermia and Helena are good friends. (Lysander and Demetrius are enemies of love past and present.)

Helena's love for Demetrius knows no restrictions. Completely infatuated with him, she was willing to become a different person, betray her dear friend Hermia, and follow him into the woods risking death or harm, all for his love and acknowledgement even after he repeatedly scorns her. His refusals cause Helena to become increasingly determined to make him reciprocate her love, however with each stabbing rejection Helena also becomes more and more insecure about her appearance (in the beginning saying Hermia was prettier than she and later losing so much self-confidence to compare herself to a bear).

Helena is said to be thought of as fair as Hermia, so her equality to Hermia might be shown through similar lavish clothing. But with her decreasing confidence, she should be potrayed uglier, plainer, or more worn out: posture sagging, staggering steps, dark circles under her eyes, etc. This could also show how obsessed she is with Demetrius, so obsessed she loses sleep over him, wearing herself out by trailing after him exuberantly declaring her affections day after day. Helena mentions how lovely Hermia's eyes and voice are, possibly picking out some of Hermia's best qualities, one's she surpasses Helena in. Helena's voice could be rougher in comparison to Hermia's to show this.

Acting-wise, Helena should say her lines hopelessly and bitterly when she talks about Demetrius' love for Hermia (actions could include clenched fists, envious looks towards Hermia, looking down sadly, etc) and increasingly desperate when devoting her love to him (actions could include chasing, grabbing and holding onto Demetrius, yelling when speaking, ignoring everything but Demetrius, eye contact with him, etc).