What is your impression about Will in this extract? Support your views with reference from the extract. Consider: • What he says and does • What the events reveal about him and the way he reacts about other people • What is his attitude about others?

EXTRACT: Nathan Field has just met Will and Nat has been welcomed to the Chamberlain’s Men and Will wished that Nat would play in their company. Will So you are Nathan Field? Nat They call me Nat. Will Well, Nat, welcome to the Chamberlain’s Men. Wilt play in our company? Nat Oh, yes! [Burbage and Will both laugh and at such eagerness.] Will Three days from now we are to play a piece of mine from some years ast, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. We lack a boy to play the mischievous Puck. So Richard Mulcaster, having played the play of late, has of his kindness lent us his Puck. You, Nat. Nat I know the lines. Will Ah. He says thou hast the memory of a homing pigeon. Who knows, I may keep thee. [He smiles to show he’s joking]- Burbage [Up above] ‘Ware heads below! [He swings himself over the side of the gallery and shins down the climbing-rope fast and expertly] Will The man is all actor. Burbage And a good thing for you, considering he plays four parts this week – all large parts. [Quietly to Nat] Nat Field – one thing I will warn there of – our Dream is revived so suddenly not by choice, but by the command of Queen Elizabeth. She has a fancy to see our sweet new Globe Theatre, but will have us play nothing for her but The Dream. Will She will come in secret for these are dangerous times. Burbage [Taking hold gently of one of Nat’s ears] Mention this to anyone and I will cut off thine ear. Very slowly, inch by inch. Nat I promise. Will We shall rehearse together soon, Puck. I am to play thine Oberon. Nat I am glad, King of Shadows.