Oberon is the King of the Fairies. At the start of the play we find him arguing with Titania, the Queen of the Fairies because she refuses to give him a changeling boy that he wants for himself. As revenge for refusing him, he decides to play a trick on her. He asks his servant, Puck, to find a magic flower which, when the juice of it is put in someone’s eyes when they are asleep, makes them fall in love with the first living thing they see when they awake. While he’s waiting he overhears Demetrius and Helena arguing and decides to help her by using the juice on Demetrius. He puts some juice in Titania’s eye and she falls in love with Bottom while he has an ass’ head. By the end of the play Oberon has undone all the magic and made peace with Titania. Finally, he and Titania bless the marriages of the Theseus and Hippolyta and the other lovers.
Facts we learn about Oberon at the start of the play:
- Oberon is angry that Titania has refused him the changeling boy he wants for himself.
- Oberon has been arguing with Titania for a long time.
- Oberon is jealous that Titania is giving the changeling boy more attention than him.
Things they say:
'...I am invisible; And will overhear their conference.' (Oberon, 2:1)
Oberon has magical powers.
'Her dotage now I do begin to pity.' (Oberon, 4:1)
Oberon feels bad about how he’s treated Titania.
Things others say about them:
'For Oberon is passing fell and wrath.' (Puck, 2:1)
Oberon is extremely angry about the fact that Titania won’t give him the changeling boy.
'And jealous Oberon would have that child…Crowns him with flowers, and makes him all her joy.' (Puck, 2:1)
Oberon is jealous of the attention Titania is giving the changeling boy.