Bottom is considered by many critics as the key character in this play, but opinion has changed about him over the past fifty or sixty years. Traditionally Bottom was seen as a clown, even a buffoon. As an actor he appears to be a real ham. He wants to play all the parts, when he is on stage he dominates all the other players. He also seemed something of a fool, so that when puck changed his head into a donkey's, it was a very natural and predictable change-- in fact, it really wasn't much of a change at all. But, ...

Theseus and Hippolyta actually rule over the unruly festivities of this play. Mythologically, Theseus seems to have nothing to do with the character Shakespeare develops who is pragmatic and generally a good administrator. Both he and Hippolyta probably have a closer link to Chaucer's Kinght's Tale in the Canterbury Tales than mythology. Hippolyta is to become Theseus bride because he apparently won her in battle. While hunting on the morning of their wedding day they find the four lovers sleeping together in the wood outside of Athens.

Hermia is in love with Lysander at the opening of the play but her father, Egeus, demands that she marry Demetrius who also seeks her hand.

Helena is in love with Demetrius, but he spurns her love in his pursuit of Hermia. After a night in the woods, Puck finally sorts all the lovers out so that the play can end happily.

Titania and Oberon, queen and king of the fairies are also have problems with their relationship largely because they are fighting over custody of an Indian changeling boy whom Titania has promised to care for. It is unclear why Oberon wants him, but it may be simply to show his power over Titania. In many productions the actor and actress who play Theseus and Hippolyta also play Titania and Oberon.