Character Analysis
(Avoiding Spoilers)
Overview... an actor in someone else's play. Rosencrantz's long-time friend Guildenstern (or “Guil”) is the leader of the two, and “Ros” is just on for the ride. It's not been a very exciting ride so far, with the duo just bouncing between medieval Denmark and surreally blank landscapes. But happenings in King Claudius's court might steer their course in a decidedly less monotonous direction.
Personality... kinder, if less intelligent and authoritative than his best friend. Ros isn't dumb, but he certainly isn't as cerebral as the loquacious Guil, either. And most of the time, he ends up taking an backseat to Guil. Still, Rosencrantz doesn't miss the limelight, and his optimism and kindness are much needed as fate begins to steer the duo towards deadly waters.
Get to Know him in...
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Two minor characters from the play, "Hamlet" stumble around unaware of their scripted lives and unable to deviate from them.
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Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is a play which, as it were, takes place in the wings of Hamlet, and finds both humour and poignancy in the situation of the ill-fated attendant lords. The National Theatre production in April 1967 made Tom Stoppard's reputation virtually overnight. Its wit, stagecraft and verbal verve remain as exhilarating as they were then and the play has become a contemporary classic. 'One of the most original and engaging of post-war plays.' Daily Telegraph
