what is the relationship between orlando and oliver

William Shakespeare's As You Like It
is a very witty comedy. Here, 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. In the very
beginning, we find out, 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. 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. He just flees away in fear of his
brother.

Later in the play, when Oliver is
attacked by a lioness in the forest of Arden, it is Orlando who rescues him. Orlando
could have shown abhorrence or reacted vindictively by not saving Oliver, but he does
not do so. Unlike Oliver, he proves to be a sensible brother and a good-natured human.
And, at this point, his valour is also
expressed.

Another notable point is that,
Orlando's character develops gradually with the help of Ganymede, whereas Oliver's
character faces a sudden change in the forest of Arden which is very
miraculous.

Finally , the difference between the
two brothers has clearly been depicted in the play, where Shakespeare's portrayal of
Orlando is almost a mirror image of Oliver.