Which Female Shakespeare Character is the Best Written?

Shakespeare's female characters are some of the most complex and multi-dimensional in literature. Each character brings their own unique arc, depth, and storyline to the plays they inhabit. In this article, we explore the merits of several notable female characters and determine which one might be the best written by William Shakespeare.

Queen Margaret: The Horrible Yet Effective Woman

Queen Margaret, a central character in several of Shakespeare's plays including Richard III and Henry VI, is a character of remarkable complexity. From her seductive and charming beginnings, she evolves into a murderous harpy and an effective curses-spitter. Her character arc is both thrilling and horrifying. From her seductive nature to her murderous tendencies, Queen Margaret displays a full spectrum of human emotion and ambition, making her one of the standout female characters in Shakespeare's canon.

Ophelia: The Tragic Antagonist in Hamlet

Ophelia, the daughter of Polonius in Hamlet, comes across as initially innocent and engaging. Her character is characterized by her tragic end, narrated by Queen Gertrude in Act IV, Scene VII. The description paints a picture of a young woman who is deeply distressed and ultimately driven to a sorrowful death. Shakespeare's portrayal of Ophelia is both gripping and heartbreaking, making her a memorable figure in the world of his plays.

Portia: The Enigmatic and Heroic Merchant of Venice

In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare introduces us to Portia, a character whose depth of character is truly remarkable. Portia's journey is multi-layered, revealing a woman who initially seems to be a figure bound by her father's will and his betting game, but who ultimately emerges as a heroine of extraordinary wit and courage. Her character learnes and does more than just navigate a riddle to obtain a fortune; she uses her intelligence and resourcefulness to save a man's life, demonstrating a level of agency and independence that is rare for that era.

Portia's Arc Through the Play

Portia's character arc is fascinating. Initially, we see her as a pawn in a game set by her late father, who stipulates that her marriage be to the suitor who solves a riddle. Portia, portrayed as a spoiled brat, learns to handle the situation with a blend of determination and bitterness. However, with the arrival of Bassanio, she begins to show her true personality, smitten with the handsome young man. Her final acts are a testament to her intelligence and wit, as she devises a plan to save Antonio, the merchant, from Shylock's treachery, all while disguised as a male lawyer.

Unresolved Tension in Portia's Final Act

The fifth act of the play presents a humorous and somewhat tacked-on reveal of the deception as Bassanio recognizes Portia. However, the reveal fails to capture the complexity of Portia's disappointment in her husband. The subtext of her character is that she expected more from Bassanio and felt let down. This disappointment adds depth to her character, revealing that she is not just a passive figure in the play but a woman with her own hopes and disillusionments.

Complexity and Depth of Portia

Portia's character is the most complex female arc in Shakespeare's plays, transforming from a pawn to a heroic figure who saves a man's life with her intelligence. Her journey is marked by her desire for autonomy and recognition, only to find that the man she loves does not recognize her as a capable and independent woman. This makes Portia's arc a poignant reflection on the treatment of women in Shakespeare's time and a powerful commentary on the issues of gender and power.

Conclusion

While Shakespeare's female characters are each unique and compelling, Portia from The Merchant of Venice stands out as the best-written female character due to her deep, complex, and multi-layered arc. From a pawn in a gambling game, to a heroine in law court, to a wife who dreams of more, Portia's character is a testament to Shakespeare’s exceptional ability to create layered, complex characters that resonate with readers and audiences.