Waiting For Godot Character Analysis

Character Focus: Estragon

How do we get to know Estragon?

We are able to gain information from Estragon in many ways. The easiest way to find out about Estragon is through the lines that he says in the play "Waiting For Godot." One example of knowing his character through his words is the lines where he mentions a God or more specifically, Jesus. Because he continuously compares himself to being God, with specific instances including "Christ [went barefoot]" and "All my life I've compared myself to him" (Beckett, 34), showcasing this type of depth for Estragon's thinking, where he feels more than just a typical guy. While it does seem a bit out of this world, it provides some clues as to how Estragon is as a person, besides being a friend of Vladimir. 

How are they like?

Estragon is like a young and innocent child, or a person that does not know much about life, since he seems to act quite childish. Various examples in the play support this idea, such as the arguments that he has with Vladimir, sounding like a bratty child that cannot have what he wants. 

How are they not like?

Estragon is definitely not like a grown man or a mature person. Estragon does not seem mature, let alone being able to focus on a conversation for a long period of time. When it comes to his scenes or moments involving Pozzo or Lucky, he does not appear to be focused on the people, but instead, the inanimate objects that the two secondary characters are involved with, such as a bag or a bone of a chicken.

Any other information?

Estragon is an impatient person, due to the fact that he does not enjoy waiting for Godot, nor does he like being rather stationary in one location, nearby a tree that is probably a willow tree. Estragon is also quite rash, never thinking too clearly before going through with situations.