Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand receives widespread acclaim for its eloquent dialogue, complex characters, and themes of love and deception. Critics praise its poetic language and Cyrano's wit, though some find the melodramatic elements over the top. Despite minor critiques, it remains a beloved classic for its timeless emotional resonance.

A reader who would enjoy Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand appreciates classic literature rich in wit, romance, and heroic themes. They likely enjoy works such as Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare and The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. These readers value eloquent dialogue, complex characters, and engaging historical settings.

Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand is a tragic romance set in mid-1600s France, revolving around the eloquent yet self-conscious swordsman Cyrano, who helps the handsome but inarticulate Christian woo the beautiful Roxane by ghostwriting passionate love letters. Through a blend of humor, wit, and poetic drama, the play examines themes of unrequited love, beauty, and intellectualism.

Romantic / Bittersweet / Inspirational / Humorous / Melancholic

- Cyrano de Bergerac was inspired by the life of a real 17th-century French dramatist and soldier, also named Cyrano de Bergerac, who was known for his big nose and dueling skills.
- In 1897, the play premiered at the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin in Paris and was an immediate hit, running for over 300 consecutive performances.
- The character of Cyrano is renowned for his eloquence and wit, with one of the most famous scenes featuring him composing an impromptu poem while engaged in a sword fight.

**Cyrano de Bergerac**  
A skilled swordsman and poet known for his wit and large nose, Cyrano navigates life with a strong sense of honor and unrequited love for his beautiful cousin, Roxane.

**Christian de Neuvillette**  
A handsome new recruit in the Guards, Christian is admired for his looks but struggles with expressing himself, leading him to seek Cyrano's help in courting Roxane.

**Roxane (Madeleine Robin)**  
Cyrano's beautiful and intelligent cousin, Roxane becomes the object of affection for both Cyrano and Christian, and plays a pivotal role in the romantic dynamics of the story.

**Ragueneau**  
A pastry chef and poet who supports his fellow poets with food and friendship, Ragueneau remains loyal to Cyrano and Roxane, showing his passion for both poetry and people.

**Comte de Guiche**  
A nobleman and colonel in the Guards, Guiche initially opposes Cyrano and Christian due to his own interest in Roxane but reveals different aspects of his character as the story unfolds.

**Le Bret**  
A close and supportive friend to Cyrano, Le Bret consistently advises him and remains a loyal figure amidst Cyrano's personal and professional conflicts.

**Carbon de Castel-Jaloux**  
The captain of the Cadets under whom Cyrano serves, Carbon respects Cyrano's leadership and shares the trials faced by the regiment during the war.

Edmond Rostand

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Background

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Act Summaries & Analyses

Act 1

Cyrano de Bergerac Act 1 Act Summary & Analysis

Act 2

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Act 3

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Act 4

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Act 5

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Character Analysis

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Themes

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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Introduction

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Before Reading

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