Costard: The Clown Who Understands Plain English
First appears: Act 1, Scene 1
Costard is the country man who punctures every pompous moment with practical good sense. He is caught with Jaquenetta (technically illegal under the lords' oath) and is thoroughly unimpressed by the fuss.
His misdelivery of the letters in Act 4, switching Armado's letter to Jaquenetta with Biron's letter to Rosaline, is the plot's key error and entirely his fault. He seems aware of this and not particularly troubled.
He is the kind of Shakespearean clown who makes you wonder whether the supposed fools are the wise ones.
Key Scenes
Famous Quotes
“Remuneration! O, that's the Latin word for three farthings.”
Costard — Act 3, Scene 1
“By my soul, a swain! a most simple clown! Lord, Lord, how the ladies and I have put him down!”
Costard — Act 4, Scene 1
Themes
Other Characters in Love's Labour's Lost
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