Cymbeline Character Guide

Cymbeline is a complex play, with overlapping plotlines and characters in disguise. In APT's adaptation, some characters have been cut and combined, so if you're reading the play in class, you may not see every one of those characters on the stage. Here's the who's who of APT's 2021 production.

Imogen played by Melisa Pereyra

Imogen is King Cymbeline's daughter. She marries her love, Posthumus, in secret, though her stepmother has promised her to her own son, Cloten. When Posthumus is tricked into believing she has been unfaithful and plots her murder, she disguises herself as a boy called Fidele.

Pisanio played by Elizabeth Ledo

Posthumus' servant, he refuses to obey his master's order to murder Imogen, and instead leads her to a refuge in the woods.

The Queen played by Gina Daniels

Cymbeline's second wife, she wants her son Cloten to marry Imogen with plans to make him king. When that doesn't work, she plots to poison Imogen.

Cymbeline played by Sarah Day

A pre-Christian King of Britain, he is manipulated by his second wife, and rebels against Rome, causing a conflict between the countries.

Cloten played by Colleen Madden

The oafish and vulgar son of the Queen from an earlier marriage, he is rebuffed by Imogen and decides to take revenge. He is a dangerous fool.

Posthumus Leonatus played by Colleen Madden

Cymbeline's adopted son, he is banished for marrying Imogen; when Iachimo falsely claims to have seduced Imogen, Posthumus orders her murder.

Belarius played by Gina Daniels

Unfairly banished from Cymbeline's court 20 years earlier, he retaliated by abducting the king's infant son, Belarius, who he raised as his own child.

Guidarius played by Alys Dickerson

The king's son, abducted as a child by Belarius. He finds he has an instant connection with "Fidele," though he doesn't understand why.

Left: A Frenchman played by Alys Dickerson: argues France's respective worth with Iachimo (far right - more on him below).

Center: Philario played by Sarah Day: A friend of Posthumus whom he visits in Rome.

Cornelius played by Lisa Tejero

A physician in King Cymbeline's court, he replaces the poison the Queen requests with a sleeping potion that gives the illusion of death.

Iachimo played by Tracy Michelle Arnold

An Italian "gentleman," he bets Posthumus that he can seduce Imogen. But when Imogen rejects him, he tricks Posthumus into believing that he was successful by presenting him with Imogen's bracelet (a gift from Posthumus), which he stole after sneaking into her room while she slept.

Caius Lucius played by Lisa Tejero

A Roman general and friend of Cymbeline, he is reluctant to start a war, lamenting the fact that he must inform the Emperor of Cymbeline’s decision not to pay the tribute owed to Rome.

Jupiter played by Melisa Pereyra

Jupiter visits Posthumus in a dream, leaving a tablet with a prophecy inscribed on it for Posthumus to find.

Appreciate