Tools of Characterization

Character Analysis

Speech and Dialogue

We’ve got some details below, but the quick and dirty is that Cyrano is defined by his quick verbal wit and Christian by his lack thereof.

Highfalutin' Poetic Soliloquies

There is a marked difference in the styles in which soliloquies and dialogue are written. Soliloquies use much more poetic language, full of metaphors and rich imagery, and tend to drag on (often longer than we wish to sit and listen to them, but that’s another point entirely).

Cyrano and Roxane speak in much the same way—often employing passionate poetic language. Ragueneau, who resembles Cyrano in being a poet, approaches language with quick cleverness and humor—as Cyrano sometimes does—but he does not have the depth of emotion that Cyrano’s verses convey. Ragueneau is more concerned with pumping out as many puns and allusions as he can to entertain his poet-friends.

Plain Old Speech

Normal dialogue, of course, is terse and sharp, and uses a lower, more common register of speech. Christian speaks much more simply, having something of a simpler mind.

Direct Characterization

Were you awake during that first act? Everyone and their mother put in their two cents about Cyrano and his heroic, admirable qualities. While this does tell us that Cyrano is heroic and admirable, it also tells us that he’s a showboat and that reputation is a big part of his character.

The way the cadets talk about de Guiche reminds us that, in fact, he’s a total jerk, and Cyrano and Christian’s waxing on about their desire for Roxane is a hint that she’s, well, desirable.

Location

Nationality is important in Cyrano de Bergerac; Rostand characterizes the Gascons as particularly hot-tempered, proud, and almost recklessly brave. This is presented as a national trait and gives unity to, say, a band of cadets fighting against the Spanish.

Physical Appearance

Cyrano’s nose is larger-than-life and ridiculous. So is Cyrano. Christian is hot, but that’s pretty much all he is. Need we say more?