When speaking about Cleopatra's undying charm, Enobarbus stated, Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale Her infinite variety This is how many readers feel about the heroines in Shakespeare's comedies. In both Twelfth Night and As You Like It the action revolves around strong female characters. Both Viola and Rosalind show immense strength, courage and power highly uncharacteristic of women in Elizabethan literature. In addition to their strength, the women also retain traditional feminine characteristics. …showed first 75 words of 1548 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1548 total…draw her sword choosing to participate rather than disclose her identity secret. In almost every scene in which she appears, whether she's jesting with Feste, quietly philosophizing with Orsino, or gracefully flattering Olivia, Viola's courtly skill and down-to-earth charm are clearly evident. Despite their differences, Rosalind is without a doubt Viola's match in character. Rosalind controls the action throughout the play, using her wit and charm to teach others around her the meaning of love.