Their relationship seems to be quite strong at the beginning of the play. Egeon loves his son but has not seen him in five years. Antipholus left Syracuse to go in search of his mother and brother and Egeon left Syracuse to search for Antipholus.

Egeon says: ‘My youngest boy, and yet my eldest care’ (1:1)

Antipholus says: ‘So I, to find a mother and a brother, / In quest of them, unhappy, lose myself.’ (1:2)

We see the strain on their relationship by the five year separation in Act 5. Egeon thinks his son is pretending not to recognise him out of shame. When Antipholus of Syracuse finally sees his father, he almost doesn’t believe it.

Egeon says: ‘But perhaps, my son, / Thou sham’st to acknowledge me in misery. ’ (5:1)

Antipholus says: ‘Egeon art thou not? Or else his ghost.’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems strong in Act 1 Scene 1. We only hear it through Egeon’s story but it is a bond of mother and child.

Egeon says: ‘she became / A joyful mother of two goodly sons’ (1:1)

Their relationship seems stronger in Act 5 when they are united at last. Emilia says she has not seen her sons in 33 years.

She says: ‘After so long grief, such nativity. ’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems strong but one-sided at the beginning of the play. We only hear from Egeon that Antipholus of Syracuse has left home to search for his twin brother.

Egeon says: ‘My youngest boy, and yet my eldest care, / At eighteen years became inquisitive / After his brother’ (1:1)

Their relationship seems stronger in Act 1 Scene 2. Again, it is one-sided as we only hear from Antipholus of Syracuse but he does not feel complete without his twin and has lost a sense of his identity in the search for him.

He says: ‘I to the world am like a drop of water / That in the ocean seeks another drop’ (1:2)

Their relationship is strengthened in Act 5 when the twins are united with each other and their bond becomes a reality. However, they do not speak directly to each other in this scene so we are left to imagine their feelings.

Antipholus of Syracuse says: ‘I was ta’en for him, and he for me, And thereupon these errors are arose.’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems weak when they first meet in Act 2 scene 2. Luciana believes he is her brother-in-law and scolds him for being unkind to her sister, Adriana. Antipholus of Syracuse is too confused to react to her at this point.

She says: ‘Fie, brother! How the world is changed with you: / When were you wont to use my sister thus?’ (1:1)

Their relationship seems stronger in Act 3 scene 2 but seems more complicated. Luciana still believes he is her brother-in-law and pleads with him to treat her sister well. Antipholus now has time to see Luciana properly and seems to fall in love with her. He is so struck by her that he declares his feelings very quickly. Luciana is horrified by what she sees as his disloyalty to her sister but admits to Adriana in Act 4 Scene 2 that she would have been impressed by his words if he weren’t her brother-in-law.

He says: ‘Are you a god? Would you create me new? / Transform me, then, and to your power I’ll yield.’ (3:1)

She says: ‘With words that in an honest suit might move.’ (4:2)

Their relationship weakens later in Act 3 Scene 1, when Antipholus decides Ephesus is enchanted and he must put Luciana out of his head. Luciana still thinks he’s her brother-in-law and therefore behaving very oddly.

He says: ‘But lest myself be guilty to self-wrong, / I’ll stop mine ears against the mermaid’s song.’ (3:1)

She says: ‘Who would be jealous then of such a one? / No evil lost is wailed when it is gone.’ (4:2)

Their relationship seems a little stronger at the end of Act 5 when the truth is revealed and they are free to be together. One of Antipholus’ first thoughts is to tell Luciana he intends to pursue her. Luciana does not reply so we have to guess what she is thinking and if they have a future together.

He says: ‘What I told you then / I hope I shall have leisure to make good, / If this be not a dream I see and hear.’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems strong at the start of the play. Master and Servant know each other well. Dromio is honest and Antipholus can trust him with his money. Dromio is sensitive to his master’s moods and cheers him up when he’s down. This is important as they have come a long way from home.

Dromio says: ‘Many a man would take you at your word, / And go indeed, having so good a mean.’ (2:1)

Antipholus says: ‘A trusty villain, sir, that very oft, / When I am dull with care and melancholy, / Lightens my humour with his merry jests.’ (1:2)

The relationship has suffered a bit by Act 2 scene 2 as Antipholus has been confused by the wrong Dromio. Antipholus thinks Dromio is making insensitive jokes. He says he’s treated Dromio more like a friend than a servant and, as a result, he’s forgotten his place. Dromio stays good natured and obedient and tries to joke with his master, even when he’s being beaten for no reason.

Antipholus says: ‘Because that I familiarly sometimes /Do use you for my fool and chat with you, /Your sauciness will jest upon my love, /And make a common of my serious hours.’ (2:2)

Dromio says: ‘Was there ever any man thus beaten out of season, When in the why and the wherefore is neither rhyme nor reason? Well, sir, I thank you.’ (2:2)

The relationship is reinforced by the end of Act 2 scene 2 as both men are confused and wary, so they are united in their experience. Later, in Act 3 scene 2, they are brought even closer by being confronted by women and told they have wives. The word play between Antipholus and Dromio in Act 3 scene 4 shows how close they are and how they enjoy and are used to joking together.

Dromio says: ‘I am transformèd, master, am I not?’ (2:2)

Antipholus says: ‘I think thou art in mind, and so am I.’ (2:2)

The relationship between master and servant seems to get stronger in Act 4 scene 3 when they meet the Courtesan and assume she’s a witch. The two decide to escape Ephesus immediately. Later they join forces and draw swords to run from the Ephesians, finding shelter together in the abbey.

Dromio says: ‘Master, be wise: an if you give it her, the devil will shake her chain and fright us with it.’ (4:3)

Antipholus says: ‘Come to the Centaur; fetch our stuff from thence. / I long that we were safe and sound aboard.’ (4:1)

Their relationship seems to be as strong as ever at the end of the play. Dromio assumes his master wishes to stay and is the first to suggest getting his stuff off the ship. Antipholus shows great warmth towards his servant by inviting him to embrace his twin brother first and join them inside.

Dromio says: ‘Master, shall I fetch your stuff from shipboard?’ (5:1)

Antipholus says: ‘I am your master, Dromio. /Come, go with us; we’ll look to that anon. /Embrace thy brother there; rejoice with him.’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems to be weak at the start of the play as it exists only in memory. However, Egeon has risked his life searching for both his sons and is not happy without either.

Egeon says: ‘Whom whilst I laboured of a love to see, / I hazarded the loss of whom I loved.’ (1:1)

Their relationship seems to still be weak at the start of Act 5. Antipholus hasn’t seen his father since he was a baby and so doesn’t recognise him. This hurts Egeon deeply as he thinks this is the son he brought up in Syracuse.

Antipholus says: ‘I never saw you in my life till now.’ (5:1)

Egeon says: ‘O, grief hath changed me since you saw me last’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems to be strong at the end of the play. When Antipholus of Ephesus realises who Egeon is, he immediately offers to pay the fine to save his life.

Antipholus says: ‘These ducats pawn I for my father here.’ (5:1)

Egeon says: ‘tell me where is that son / That floated with thee on the fatal raft?’ (5:1)

From what Egeon tells us in Act 1 Scene 1, their relationship was very strong. On the ship, Emilia was most worried about the safety of the younger twin (Antipholus of Ephesus) and made sure he was tied to the mast next to her.

He says: ‘My wife, more careful for the latter-born, / Had fastened him unto a small spare mast’ (1:1)

Their relationship is renewed in Act 5 when they are reunited at last. Emilia explains that she was parted from her son ‘By force’ soon after the shipwreck and has not seen him since.

She says: ‘till this present hour / My heavy burden ne’er deliverèd.’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems strong but one-sided at the beginning of the play. We only hear from Egeon that Antipholus of Syracuse has left home to search for his twin brother.

Egeon says: ‘My youngest boy, and yet my eldest care, / At eighteen years became inquisitive / After his brother’ (1:1)

Their relationship seems stronger in Act 1 Scene 2. Again, it is one-sided as we only hear from Antipholus of Syracuse but he does not feel complete without his twin and has lost a sense of his identity in the search for him.

He says: ‘I to the world am like a drop of water / That in the ocean seeks another drop’ (1:2)

Their relationship is strengthened in Act 5 when the twins are united with each other and their bond becomes a reality. However, they do not speak directly to each other in this scene so we are left to imagine their feelings.

Antipholus of Syracuse says: ‘I was ta’en for him, and he for me, And thereupon these errors are arose.’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems very weak at the start of the play. Adriana feels neglected by her husband who stays out late. She suspects he is having an affair and his behaviour has made her jealous and insecure. She blames him for her loss of looks and spirit.

She says: ‘What ruins are in me that can be found, / By him not ruined? Then is he the ground / Of my defeatures. ’ (2:1)

He says: ‘My wife is shrewish when I keep not hours.’ (3:1)

Their relationship seems a bit stronger in Act 2 Scene 2, when we see Adriana confront Antipholus of Syracuse, thinking he’s her husband. She scolds him but seems to still love him and reminds him of a time when their love was strong. She lowers her dignity to beg him back. In Act 3 Scene 1, we hear that Antipholus has ordered a gold chain to be made as a gift for Adriana but this could be out of guilt as he knows she is suspicious.

She says: ‘never touch well welcome to thy hand, / That never meat sweet-savoured in thy taste, / Unless I spake, or looked, or touched, or carved to thee.’ (2:2)

He says: ‘Say that I lingered with you at your shop / To see the making of her carcanet’ (3:1)

Their relationship seems weaker in Act 3 Scene 1 when Antipholus is locked out of his house. He blames his wife and immediately decides to punish her by giving the chain he is buying for her to a prostitute.

He says: ‘That chain will I bestow — / Be it for nothing but to spite my wife — /Upon mine hostess there. ’ (3:1)

Their relationship seems to be not much stronger in Act 4 Scene 1 when Antipholus orders Dromio to fetch a rope to beat Adriana with. He is angry and blaming Adriana is the way he can make sense of all the confusion but his reaction is a violent one towards her. In contrast, Adriana shows a lot of love and forgiveness towards Antipholus, even after she hears he’s been flirting with her sister and has visited the Courtesan. Her reaction is to decide he’s mad, get him exorcised and pay his bills so he can come home. This unbalanced relationship lasts well into Act 5 with Adriana begging Emilia to let her in the abbey to help her husband and Antipholus telling the Duke that Adriana is behind all his suffering.

He says: ‘go thou / And buy a rope’s end. That will I bestow /Among my wife and her confederates, /For locking me out of my doors by day.’ (4:1)

She says: ‘I will attend my husband, be his nurse, / Diet his sickness, for it is my office.’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems to be not much stronger at the end of the play. Adriana begs the Duke to help her husband and seems to accept her duty is to accept a husband as her master. Antipholus seems less angry in front of the Duke but believes his wife has spoilt his reputation. We don’t see them come together at the end of Act 5 and we can only guess if they can recover and have a happier marriage in the future.

He says: ‘Beyond imagination is the wrong / That she this day hath shameless thrown on me.’ (5:1)

She says: ‘Antipholus, my husband, / Whom I made lord of me and all I had’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems fairly strong and established at the start of the play. Antipholus seems to visit the Courtesan often and enjoy her company. His wife suspects her husband is seeing another woman although he claims he has not been unfaithful.

He says: ‘I know a wench of excellent discourse, / Pretty and witty, wild, and yet, too, gentle.’ (3:1)

Their relationship seems weaker in Act 4 Scene 3 when the Courtesan suspects him of cheating her. Antipholus has promised her a gold chain and she has given him a diamond ring in return. When she meets Antipholus of Syracuse, she assumes he is Antipholus of Ephesus and asks him for the chain. He calls her a devil and a witch. She thinks he has gone mad and as she can’t afford to lose the ring with no return she decides to talk to Adriana.

She says: ‘Now, out of doubt Antipholus is mad, / Else would he never so demean himself.’ (4:3)

Their relationship seems weaker in Act 4 Scene 4 when Antipholus of Ephesus, now under arrest for not paying the goldsmith for the chain, meets the Courtesan, who is with Adriana and Luciana. The women all seem to think he is mad and want to take him somewhere safe. Antipholus thinks everyone is conspiring against him.

She says: ‘How say you now? Is not your husband mad?’ (4:4)

At the end of the play the Courtesan witnesses how the confusion is resolved and asks Antipholus of Ephesus for her ring back. He gives it to her. Now his wife knows everything it is uncertain if they will meet again.

He says: ‘There take it and much thanks for my good cheer’ (5.1)

Their relationship is a strong one, although we don’t learn this until the end of the play. Antipholus has been brought to Ephesus by the Duke’s uncle as a child. He has fought beside the Duke in the wars and saved his life. In return, the Duke has become his patron, giving him protection and a rich wife. In return, Antipholus has great respect for the Duke.

The Duke says: ‘Long since, thy husband served me in my wars, / And I to thee engaged a prince’s word, / When thou didst make him master of thy bed, / To do him all the grace and good I could.’ (5:1)

Antipholus says: ‘O, grant me justice, Even for the service that long since I did thee, /When I bestrid thee in the wars, and took / Deep scars to save thy life’ (5:1)

Their relationship is a fairly strong one of servant and master but one that is based more on duty and beatings than friendship. Dromio is used to Antipholus being late home and is quick to point out that he is being punished for his master’s sins. Getting caught between his master and his wife and abused by both is something that has clearly happened many times before.

Dromio says: ‘But we that know what ’tis to fast and pray / Are penitent for your default today’ (1:2)

The relationship seems even weaker by Act 3 scene 1. Dromio is obedient as a servant but their relationship is not one of friendship and shared humour like their twins. When we meet Antipholus of Ephesus for the first time, he thinks Dromio has been lying to him and greets Dromio publicly with a lack of respect and Dromio is quick to tell him how bruised he is from his beatings. However, Dromio obediently fights his master’s corner at the door.

Antipholus says: ‘Thou drunkard, thou, what didst thou mean by this?’ (3:1)

Dromio says: ‘What patch is made our porter? — My master stays in the street.’ (3:1)

Their master / servant relationship hits a new low in Act 4 scene 4 when Antipholus is arrested. Dromio complains about a lifetime of beatings from Antipholus. Antipholus says nothing in his defence; he seems to think this is normal behaviour from a master to a servant and that Dromio deserves it.

Dromio says: ‘I have served him from the hour of my nativity to this instant and have nothing at his hands for my service but blows.’ (4:4)

Antipholus says: ‘Thou art sensible in nothing but blows, and so is an ass.’ (4:4)

Their relationship seems to get a little stronger in Act 4 scene 4 when they are tied up together in jail and have to use each other to escape. Dromio has an idea to pretend they’re mad and Antipholus bites through their ropes. We hear from the messenger in Act 5 how they have worked together to punish Pinch and the others in the jail. This shows some teamwork in desperate times but we doubt their relationship will change. Neither Dromio nor Antipholus exchange any direct words in the reunion in Act 5.

Dromio says: ‘Will you be bound for nothing? Be mad, good master: cry ‘The devil!’ (4:4)

Messenger: ‘My master preaches patience to him, and the while His man with scissors nicks him like a fool’ (5:1)

Their relationship is nonexistent at the start of the play. Although Egeon tells us they were separated in the shipwreck, neither twin knows the other exists.

Egeon says: ‘To him one of the other twins was bound, Whilst I had been like heedful of the other.’ (1:1)

Their relationship seems very strong at the end of the play, when they discover each other for the first time. They embrace and leave as equals and Shakespeare uses this image to end the play.

Dromio of Ephesus says: ‘Me thinks you are my glass, and not my brother: / I see by you I am a sweet-faced youth.’ (5:1)

Dromio of Syracuse says: ‘We came into the world like brother and brother; /And now let’s go hand in hand, not one before another.’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems strong at the start of the play. Master and Servant know each other well. Dromio is honest and Antipholus can trust him with his money. Dromio is sensitive to his master’s moods and cheers him up when he’s down. This is important as they have come a long way from home.

Dromio says: ‘Many a man would take you at your word, / And go indeed, having so good a mean.’ (2:1)

Antipholus says: ‘A trusty villain, sir, that very oft, / When I am dull with care and melancholy, / Lightens my humour with his merry jests.’ (1:2)

The relationship has suffered a bit by Act 2 scene 2 as Antipholus has been confused by the wrong Dromio. Antipholus thinks Dromio is making insensitive jokes. He says he’s treated Dromio more like a friend than a servant and, as a result, he’s forgotten his place. Dromio stays good natured and obedient and tries to joke with his master, even when he’s being beaten for no reason.

Antipholus says: ‘Because that I familiarly sometimes /Do use you for my fool and chat with you, /Your sauciness will jest upon my love, /And make a common of my serious hours.’ (2:2)

Dromio says: ‘Was there ever any man thus beaten out of season, When in the why and the wherefore is neither rhyme nor reason? Well, sir, I thank you.’ (2:2)

The relationship is reinforced by the end of Act 2 scene 2 as both men are confused and wary, so they are united in their experience. Later, in Act 3 scene 2, they are brought even closer by being confronted by women and told they have wives. The word play between Antipholus and Dromio in Act 3 scene 4 shows how close they are and how they enjoy and are used to joking together.

Dromio says: ‘I am transformèd, master, am I not?’ (2:2)

Antipholus says: ‘I think thou art in mind, and so am I.’ (2:2)

The relationship between master and servant seems to get stronger in Act 4 scene 3 when they meet the Courtesan and assume she’s a witch. The two decide to escape Ephesus immediately. Later they join forces and draw swords to run from the Ephesians, finding shelter together in the abbey.

Dromio says: ‘Master, be wise: an if you give it her, the devil will shake her chain and fright us with it.’ (4:3)

Antipholus says: ‘Come to the Centaur; fetch our stuff from thence. / I long that we were safe and sound aboard.’ (4:1)

Their relationship seems to be as strong as ever at the end of the play. Dromio assumes his master wishes to stay and is the first to suggest getting his stuff off the ship. Antipholus shows great warmth towards his servant by inviting him to embrace his twin brother first and join them inside.

Dromio says: ‘Master, shall I fetch your stuff from shipboard?’ (5:1)

Antipholus says: ‘I am your master, Dromio. /Come, go with us; we’ll look to that anon. /Embrace thy brother there; rejoice with him.’ (5:1)

Their relationship is nonexistent at the start of the play. Although Egeon tells us they were separated in the shipwreck, neither twin knows the other exists.

Egeon says: ‘To him one of the other twins was bound, Whilst I had been like heedful of the other.’ (1:1)

Their relationship seems very strong at the end of the play, when they discover each other for the first time. They embrace and leave as equals and Shakespeare uses this image to end the play.

Dromio of Ephesus says: ‘Me thinks you are my glass, and not my brother: / I see by you I am a sweet-faced youth.’ (5:1)

Dromio of Syracuse says: ‘We came into the world like brother and brother; /And now let’s go hand in hand, not one before another.’ (5:1)

Their relationship is a fairly strong one of servant and master but one that is based more on duty and beatings than friendship. Dromio is used to Antipholus being late home and is quick to point out that he is being punished for his master’s sins. Getting caught between his master and his wife and abused by both is something that has clearly happened many times before.

Dromio says: ‘But we that know what ’tis to fast and pray / Are penitent for your default today’ (1:2)

The relationship seems even weaker by Act 3 scene 1. Dromio is obedient as a servant but their relationship is not one of friendship and shared humour like their twins. When we meet Antipholus of Ephesus for the first time, he thinks Dromio has been lying to him and greets Dromio publicly with a lack of respect and Dromio is quick to tell him how bruised he is from his beatings. However, Dromio obediently fights his master’s corner at the door.

Antipholus says: ‘Thou drunkard, thou, what didst thou mean by this?’ (3:1)

Dromio says: ‘What patch is made our porter? — My master stays in the street.’ (3:1)

Their master / servant relationship hits a new low in Act 4 scene 4 when Antipholus is arrested. Dromio complains about a lifetime of beatings from Antipholus. Antipholus says nothing in his defence; he seems to think this is normal behaviour from a master to a servant and that Dromio deserves it.

Dromio says: ‘I have served him from the hour of my nativity to this instant and have nothing at his hands for my service but blows.’ (4:4)

Antipholus says: ‘Thou art sensible in nothing but blows, and so is an ass.’ (4:4)

Their relationship seems to get a little stronger in Act 4 scene 4 when they are tied up together in jail and have to use each other to escape. Dromio has an idea to pretend they’re mad and Antipholus bites through their ropes. We hear from the messenger in Act 5 how they have worked together to punish Pinch and the others in the jail. This shows some teamwork in desperate times but we doubt their relationship will change. Neither Dromio nor Antipholus exchange any direct words in the reunion in Act 5.

Dromio says: ‘Will you be bound for nothing? Be mad, good master: cry ‘The devil!’ (4:4)

Messenger: ‘My master preaches patience to him, and the while His man with scissors nicks him like a fool’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems quite strong in Act 2 Scene 1. Although they have their differences, the sisters are not afraid to talk honestly and confide quite personal things to each other. However, Luciana is not married and gives Adriana advice she can’t agree with.

Adriana says: ‘To him one of the other twins was bound, / Whilst I had been like heedful of the other.’ (2:1)

Luciana says: ‘Fie, how impatience loureth in your face!’ (2:1)

Their relationship seems a little stronger in Act 2 scene 2 as the sisters are presenting a united front, working together to scold Antipholus.

Luciana says: ‘Fie, brother! How the world is changed with you: / When were you wont to use my sister thus?’ (2:1)

Their relationship seems to remain strong in Act 3 scene 2 when Luciana confronts Antipholus and tells him to be good to Adriana. She has the wrong man but her defence of her sister and desire to see Adriana’s happiness is clear. She is also horrified to think he is in love with her and runs off immediately to tell Adriana.

She says: ‘If you did wed my sister for her wealth, /Then for her wealth’s sake use her with more kindness.’ (3:2)

Their relationship seems to be very strong in Act 4 Scene 2. Luciana has told her sister of Antipholus’ behaviour but she takes no joy in it and Adriana does not blame Luciana for his attraction. They remain fiercely loyal to each other.

Adriana says: ‘Ah, Luciana, did he tempt thee so?’ (4:2)

Luciana says: ‘Then pleaded I for you.’ (4:2)

Their relationship seems to remain very strong in Act 5 when Luciana defends Adriana in front of Emilia. Luciana is outraged that her sister is being treated badly and it is her idea to go to the Duke for justice. Adriana shows she has been influenced by Luciana’s patience and guidance by agreeing with Emilia about her jealous behaviour. She has learnt from her sister, despite their differences.

Luciana says: ‘She never reprehended him but mildly, / When he demeaned himself rough, rude and wildly.’ (3:2)

Adriana says: ‘She did betray me to my own reproof.’ (4:2)

Their relationship seems very weak at the start of the play. Adriana feels neglected by her husband who stays out late. She suspects he is having an affair and his behaviour has made her jealous and insecure. She blames him for her loss of looks and spirit.

She says: ‘What ruins are in me that can be found, / By him not ruined? Then is he the ground / Of my defeatures. ’ (2:1)

He says: ‘My wife is shrewish when I keep not hours.’ (3:1)

Their relationship seems a bit stronger in Act 2 Scene 2, when we see Adriana confront Antipholus of Syracuse, thinking he’s her husband. She scolds him but seems to still love him and reminds him of a time when their love was strong. She lowers her dignity to beg him back. In Act 3 Scene 1, we hear that Antipholus has ordered a gold chain to be made as a gift for Adriana but this could be out of guilt as he knows she is suspicious.

She says: ‘never touch well welcome to thy hand, / That never meat sweet-savoured in thy taste, / Unless I spake, or looked, or touched, or carved to thee.’ (2:2)

He says: ‘Say that I lingered with you at your shop / To see the making of her carcanet’ (3:1)

Their relationship seems weaker in Act 3 Scene 1 when Antipholus is locked out of his house. He blames his wife and immediately decides to punish her by giving the chain he is buying for her to a prostitute.

He says: ‘That chain will I bestow — / Be it for nothing but to spite my wife — /Upon mine hostess there. ’ (3:1)

Their relationship seems to be not much stronger in Act 4 Scene 1 when Antipholus orders Dromio to fetch a rope to beat Adriana with. He is angry and blaming Adriana is the way he can make sense of all the confusion but his reaction is a violent one towards her. In contrast, Adriana shows a lot of love and forgiveness towards Antipholus, even after she hears he’s been flirting with her sister and has visited the Courtesan. Her reaction is to decide he’s mad, get him exorcised and pay his bills so he can come home. This unbalanced relationship lasts well into Act 5 with Adriana begging Emilia to let her in the abbey to help her husband and Antipholus telling the Duke that Adriana is behind all his suffering.

He says: ‘go thou / And buy a rope’s end. That will I bestow /Among my wife and her confederates, /For locking me out of my doors by day.’ (4:1)

She says: ‘I will attend my husband, be his nurse, / Diet his sickness, for it is my office.’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems to be not much stronger at the end of the play. Adriana begs the Duke to help her husband and seems to accept her duty is to accept a husband as her master. Antipholus seems less angry in front of the Duke but believes his wife has spoilt his reputation. We don’t see them come together at the end of Act 5 and we can only guess if they can recover and have a happier marriage in the future.

He says: ‘Beyond imagination is the wrong / That she this day hath shameless thrown on me.’ (5:1)

She says: ‘Antipholus, my husband, / Whom I made lord of me and all I had’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems quite strong in Act 2 Scene 1. Although they have their differences, the sisters are not afraid to talk honestly and confide quite personal things to each other. However, Luciana is not married and gives Adriana advice she can’t agree with.

Adriana says: ‘To him one of the other twins was bound, / Whilst I had been like heedful of the other.’ (2:1)

Luciana says: ‘Fie, how impatience loureth in your face!’ (2:1)

Their relationship seems a little stronger in Act 2 scene 2 as the sisters are presenting a united front, working together to scold Antipholus.

Luciana says: ‘Fie, brother! How the world is changed with you: / When were you wont to use my sister thus?’ (2:1)

Their relationship seems to remain strong in Act 3 scene 2 when Luciana confronts Antipholus and tells him to be good to Adriana. She has the wrong man but her defence of her sister and desire to see Adriana’s happiness is clear. She is also horrified to think he is in love with her and runs off immediately to tell Adriana.

She says: ‘If you did wed my sister for her wealth, /Then for her wealth’s sake use her with more kindness.’ (3:2)

Their relationship seems to be very strong in Act 4 Scene 2. Luciana has told her sister of Antipholus’ behaviour but she takes no joy in it and Adriana does not blame Luciana for his attraction. They remain fiercely loyal to each other.

Adriana says: ‘Ah, Luciana, did he tempt thee so?’ (4:2)

Luciana says: ‘Then pleaded I for you.’ (4:2)

Their relationship seems to remain very strong in Act 5 when Luciana defends Adriana in front of Emilia. Luciana is outraged that her sister is being treated badly and it is her idea to go to the Duke for justice. Adriana shows she has been influenced by Luciana’s patience and guidance by agreeing with Emilia about her jealous behaviour. She has learnt from her sister, despite their differences.

Luciana says: ‘She never reprehended him but mildly, / When he demeaned himself rough, rude and wildly.’ (3:2)

Adriana says: ‘She did betray me to my own reproof.’ (4:2)

Their relationship seems weak when they first meet in Act 2 scene 2. Luciana believes he is her brother-in-law and scolds him for being unkind to her sister, Adriana. Antipholus of Syracuse is too confused to react to her at this point.

She says: ‘Fie, brother! How the world is changed with you: / When were you wont to use my sister thus?’ (1:1)

Their relationship seems stronger in Act 3 scene 2 but seems more complicated. Luciana still believes he is her brother-in-law and pleads with him to treat her sister well. Antipholus now has time to see Luciana properly and seems to fall in love with her. He is so struck by her that he declares his feelings very quickly. Luciana is horrified by what she sees as his disloyalty to her sister but admits to Adriana in Act 4 Scene 2 that she would have been impressed by his words if he weren’t her brother-in-law.

He says: ‘Are you a god? Would you create me new? / Transform me, then, and to your power I’ll yield.’ (3:1)

She says: ‘With words that in an honest suit might move.’ (4:2)

Their relationship weakens later in Act 3 Scene 1, when Antipholus decides Ephesus is enchanted and he must put Luciana out of his head. Luciana still thinks he’s her brother-in-law and therefore behaving very oddly.

He says: ‘But lest myself be guilty to self-wrong, / I’ll stop mine ears against the mermaid’s song.’ (3:1)

She says: ‘Who would be jealous then of such a one? / No evil lost is wailed when it is gone.’ (4:2)

Their relationship seems a little stronger at the end of Act 5 when the truth is revealed and they are free to be together. One of Antipholus’ first thoughts is to tell Luciana he intends to pursue her. Luciana does not reply so we have to guess what she is thinking and if they have a future together.

He says: ‘What I told you then / I hope I shall have leisure to make good, / If this be not a dream I see and hear.’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems to be quite strong at the beginning of the play. Egeon loves his son but has not seen him in five years. Antipholus left Syracuse to go in search of his mother and brother and Egeon left Syracuse to search for Antipholus.

Egeon says: ‘My youngest boy, and yet my eldest care’ (1:1)

Antipholus says: ‘So I, to find a mother and a brother, / In quest of them, unhappy, lose myself.’ (1:2)

We see the strain on their relationship by the five year separation in Act 5. Egeon thinks his son is pretending not to recognise him out of shame. When Antipholus of Syracuse finally sees his father, he almost doesn’t believe it.

Egeon says: ‘But perhaps, my son, / Thou sham’st to acknowledge me in misery. ’ (5:1)

Antipholus says: ‘Egeon art thou not? Or else his ghost.’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems to be weak at the start of the play as it exists only in memory. However, Egeon has risked his life searching for both his sons and is not happy without either.

Egeon says: ‘Whom whilst I laboured of a love to see, / I hazarded the loss of whom I loved.’ (1:1)

Their relationship seems to still be weak at the start of Act 5. Antipholus hasn’t seen his father since he was a baby and so doesn’t recognise him. This hurts Egeon deeply as he thinks this is the son he brought up in Syracuse.

Antipholus says: ‘I never saw you in my life till now.’ (5:1)

Egeon says: ‘O, grief hath changed me since you saw me last’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems to be strong at the end of the play. When Antipholus of Ephesus realises who Egeon is, he immediately offers to pay the fine to save his life.

Antipholus says: ‘These ducats pawn I for my father here.’ (5:1)

Egeon says: ‘tell me where is that son / That floated with thee on the fatal raft?’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems fairly strong in Act 1 Scene 1. Although Egeon has not seen Emilia in 33 years, his memories of their marriage are fond. However he does add that Emilia might have been happier if it hadn’t been for his bad fortunes as a merchant.

He says: ‘wed / Unto a woman, happy but for me, / And by me, had not our hap been bad. / With her I lived in joy’ (1:1)

Their relationship seems strong in Act 5 when they are reunited. As soon as Emilia recognises Egeon, she wants to free him from his bonds. Egeon is dazed and can’t believe he has found his wife after all this time.

She says: ‘Whoever bound him, I will loose his bonds, / And gain a husband by his liberty.’ (5:1)

He says: ‘If I dream not, thou art Emilia.’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems to be that of enemies at the start of the play because of the enmity between their two cities. Neither, however, seems to take it personally. Egeon has broken the law by coming to Ephesus and the Duke has no choice but to uphold the law. Egeon is ready to accept his fate to put an end to his suffering.

Egeon says: ‘Proceed, Solinus, to procure my fall, / And by the doom of death end woes and all.’ (1:1)

The Duke says: ‘Merchant of Syracusa, plead no more: / I am not partial to infringe our laws.’ (4:1)

The relationship strengthens a little in Act 1 scene 1, when Egeon tells his tragic tale and the Duke takes pity on him. Egeon does not want to go through his tale as it is too painful but must respect the Duke. The Duke is moved by his misfortune and wants to pardon him but is not allowed by law. Instead, he gives Egeon a day to raise his ransom money.

Egeon says: ‘’A heavier task could not have been imposed, / Than I to speak my griefs unspeakable.’ (1:1)

The Duke says: ‘were it not against our laws, / Against my crown, my oath, my dignity, / Which princes, would they may not disannul, / My soul should sue as advocate for thee.’ (1:1)

Their relationship gets much stronger in Act 5 when the Duke realises who Egeon really is. The Duke is leading Egeon to his execution but when he learns that his friend Antipholus of Ephesus is Egeon’s son, he pardons Egeon completely.

The Duke says: ‘If any friend will pay the sum for him, / He shall not die, so much we tender him.’ (5:1)

Egeon says: ‘Most mighty duke, vouchsafe me speak a word; / Haply I see a friend will save my life’ (5:1)

From what Egeon tells us in Act 1 Scene 1, their relationship was very strong. On the ship, Emilia was most worried about the safety of the younger twin (Antipholus of Ephesus) and made sure he was tied to the mast next to her.

He says: ‘My wife, more careful for the latter-born, / Had fastened him unto a small spare mast’ (1:1)

Their relationship is renewed in Act 5 when they are reunited at last. Emilia explains that she was parted from her son ‘By force’ soon after the shipwreck and has not seen him since.

She says: ‘till this present hour / My heavy burden ne’er deliverèd.’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems strong in Act 1 Scene 1. We only hear it through Egeon’s story but it is a bond of mother and child.

Egeon says: ‘she became / A joyful mother of two goodly sons’ (1:1)

Their relationship seems stronger in Act 5 when they are united at last. Emilia says she has not seen her sons in 33 years.

She says: ‘After so long grief, such nativity. ’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems fairly strong in Act 1 Scene 1. Although Egeon has not seen Emilia in 33 years, his memories of their marriage are fond. However he does add that Emilia might have been happier if it hadn’t been for his bad fortunes as a merchant.

He says: ‘wed / Unto a woman, happy but for me, / And by me, had not our hap been bad. / With her I lived in joy’ (1:1)

Their relationship seems strong in Act 5 when they are reunited. As soon as Emilia recognises Egeon, she wants to free him from his bonds. Egeon is dazed and can’t believe he has found his wife after all this time.

She says: ‘Whoever bound him, I will loose his bonds, / And gain a husband by his liberty.’ (5:1)

He says: ‘If I dream not, thou art Emilia.’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems to be that of enemies at the start of the play because of the enmity between their two cities. Neither, however, seems to take it personally. Egeon has broken the law by coming to Ephesus and the Duke has no choice but to uphold the law. Egeon is ready to accept his fate to put an end to his suffering.

Egeon says: ‘Proceed, Solinus, to procure my fall, / And by the doom of death end woes and all.’ (1:1)

The Duke says: ‘Merchant of Syracusa, plead no more: / I am not partial to infringe our laws.’ (4:1)

The relationship strengthens a little in Act 1 scene 1, when Egeon tells his tragic tale and the Duke takes pity on him. Egeon does not want to go through his tale as it is too painful but must respect the Duke. The Duke is moved by his misfortune and wants to pardon him but is not allowed by law. Instead, he gives Egeon a day to raise his ransom money.

Egeon says: ‘’A heavier task could not have been imposed, / Than I to speak my griefs unspeakable.’ (1:1)

The Duke says: ‘were it not against our laws, / Against my crown, my oath, my dignity, / Which princes, would they may not disannul, / My soul should sue as advocate for thee.’ (1:1)

Their relationship gets much stronger in Act 5 when the Duke realises who Egeon really is. The Duke is leading Egeon to his execution but when he learns that his friend Antipholus of Ephesus is Egeon’s son, he pardons Egeon completely.

The Duke says: ‘If any friend will pay the sum for him, / He shall not die, so much we tender him.’ (5:1)

Egeon says: ‘Most mighty duke, vouchsafe me speak a word; / Haply I see a friend will save my life’ (5:1)

Their relationship is a strong one, although we don’t learn this until the end of the play. Antipholus has been brought to Ephesus by the Duke’s uncle as a child. He has fought beside the Duke in the wars and saved his life. In return, the Duke has become his patron, giving him protection and a rich wife. In return, Antipholus has great respect for the Duke.

The Duke says: ‘Long since, thy husband served me in my wars, / And I to thee engaged a prince’s word, / When thou didst make him master of thy bed, / To do him all the grace and good I could.’ (5:1)

Antipholus says: ‘O, grant me justice, Even for the service that long since I did thee, /When I bestrid thee in the wars, and took / Deep scars to save thy life’ (5:1)

Their relationship seems fairly strong and established at the start of the play. Antipholus seems to visit the Courtesan often and enjoy her company. His wife suspects her husband is seeing another woman although he claims he has not been unfaithful.

He says: ‘I know a wench of excellent discourse, / Pretty and witty, wild, and yet, too, gentle.’ (3:1)

Their relationship seems weaker in Act 4 Scene 3 when the Courtesan suspects him of cheating her. Antipholus has promised her a gold chain and she has given him a diamond ring in return. When she meets Antipholus of Syracuse, she assumes he is Antipholus of Ephesus and asks him for the chain. He calls her a devil and a witch. She thinks he has gone mad and as she can’t afford to lose the ring with no return she decides to talk to Adriana.

She says: ‘Now, out of doubt Antipholus is mad, / Else would he never so demean himself.’ (4:3)

Their relationship seems weaker in Act 4 Scene 4 when Antipholus of Ephesus, now under arrest for not paying the goldsmith for the chain, meets the Courtesan, who is with Adriana and Luciana. The women all seem to think he is mad and want to take him somewhere safe. Antipholus thinks everyone is conspiring against him.

She says: ‘How say you now? Is not your husband mad?’ (4:4)

At the end of the play the Courtesan witnesses how the confusion is resolved and asks Antipholus of Ephesus for her ring back. He gives it to her. Now his wife knows everything it is uncertain if they will meet again.

He says: ‘There take it and much thanks for my good cheer’ (5.1)