Please provide a character sketch of Orlando in contrast with Oliver from As You Like It.

In the romantic pastoral comedy As You Like It by William Shakespeare, the characters of Orlando and Oliver are clearly distinguishable from each other.

Oliver is Orlando's elder brother. Both are the sons of late Sir Rowland de Bois. Right from the beginning, we find out that, in accordance with the rule of primogeniture in England, which instructs that all the property would be inherited by the eldest of the family, Orlando gets the possession of the belongings that his father leaves. Though, he was instructed to take proper care of Orlando, he, out of jealousy and loath, makes Orlando totally deprived, moreover "openly demonstrates his hostility toward Orlando by treating him like a servant and striking him when he criticizes Oliver's behaviour". In Act i, Scene i, the fact is obvious when Orlando expresses his grief while talking to Adam: "He lets me feed with his hinds..., mines my gentility with my education".

In fact, when the royal wrestler Charles is supposed to fight Orlando, Oliver leaps with joy thinking of the probable death of his brother. But, in Orlando, we find no such cruel feeling or motive. He is not even confident enough to stand on his own feet: "I know no wise remedy how to avoid it". He just flees away in fear of his brother.

Besides, Oliver scornfully addresses his old, trustworthy servant, Adam as "dog", whereas Orlando behaves with Adam very cordially. Though, being an educated and well-nurtured man, Oliver proves to be an uncouth person; while Orlando appears to be a well-behaved human being ill-nurtured.

In As You Like It, the primary focus is upon Orlando always. The playwright has delineated wonderfully the gradual developmentf of his personality. On the contrary, Oliver's character faces such a sudden, miraculous change, which is extremely hasty and unexpected, that this character does not get the chance to be highlighted enough.

Among these two brothers, Orlando becomes a favourite of all, while Oliver can gain a bit sympathy. They share hardly a little to be compared. Rather, they are more like mirror images.