| Puck | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Real Name |
Robin Goodfellow |
|
First Appearance |
A Midsummer Night's Dream (1595) |
|
Created by |
William Shakespeare |
Origin[]
Puck, also known as Robin Goodfellow, is a mischievous and puckish (hence his name) fairy who serves Oberon, the King of the Fairies. Puck is characterized by his quick wit, playful nature, and penchant for causing trouble. He is a central figure in the play, driving much of the comedic chaos with his magical interventions.
Puck's most notable act is mistakenly enchanting the wrong Athenian youth with a love potion, leading to a series of romantic entanglements and misunderstandings among the mortal characters. This mistake sets the events of the play in motion and contributes to its comedic elements. In another, he delights in pranks such as replacing Nick Bottom's head with that of a donkey's.
Puck is cunning and mischievous but not inherently malicious; his pranks often stem from a desire for entertainment rather than malevolence. However, his actions can have unintended consequences, as seen in the chaos he causes among the lovers in the forest.
Despite his mischievous nature, Puck is ultimately loyal to Oberon and follows his commands faithfully. He serves as Oberon's messenger and executes his master's wishes, even when they involve causing chaos among the mortals. However, Puck's loyalty is not absolute; he also demonstrates a degree of independence and agency, occasionally acting on his own impulses.
Public Domain Stage Play Appearances[]
- A Midsummer Night's Dream (1595)
- Love Restored (1612)
- Grim the Collier of Croydon (1660)
- The Mad Merry Pranks of Robin Goodfellow (c. 17th Century)
- Dear Brutus (1917)
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- The Mad Pranks of Robin Goodfellow (1845)
- Puck of Pook's Hill (1906)