Compare and contrast the characters of hermia and Helena in midsummer night?

Answer 1

Hermia is feisty. She is not afraid to stand up to Theseus himself and demand to know what her options are; she berates Demetrius so he says, "There's no following her in this fierce vein"; she is ready for a toe-to-toe battle with Helena. "She was a vixen when she went to school" is probably true. She is also almost always upbeat. Lysander quickly comforts her after Theseus' sentence and she is soon happy and giving again. It takes forever for Lysander to persuade her than he is no longer interested in her--she just won't believe it. We see her kindness when she shares the news of her intended elopement with Helena.

Helena is another thing altogether. Moping, whining, self-pitying ("I am as ugly as a bear"), her lack of self-esteem leads her to reject not only Lysander's protestations of love, but also Demetrius's because she cannot accept that they would love someone as worthless as she is. She is the classic victim of an abusive relationship. "The more you beat me, I will fawn on you. Use me but as your spaniel, spurn me, strike me, neglect me, lose me, only give me leave, unworthy as I am, to follow you." If he treats her this way, she will believe him. She shows her petty nature in disclosing Hermia's plans to Demetrius (not a nice way to treat a friend's confidence), and her cowardice in running from Hermia.

Answer 2

Hermia is strong-willed and defies societal expectations by refusing an arranged marriage, while Helena is insecure and lacks self-confidence. Hermia is in a committed relationship with Lysander, whereas Helena is pining for Demetrius, who does not reciprocate her feelings. Their contrasting personalities and approaches to love create tension and comedic situations in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."