A hero is a person of distinguished courage. In Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale," the reader is introduced to an array of characters, all of which have individual qualities. However, among these characters there is only one person to whom we can attribute truly heroic characteristiscs. This character's name is Paulina, and her courage and integrity are astonishing. These qualities and the loyalty to Hermione, Queen of Sicily, are what make Paulina the central thread of this story in a period of sixteen years, "Commend my best obedience to the Queen," (II.ii.35). Paulina is the true hero in this story.
Paulina, loyal friend and confidant of Queen Hermione, becomes outraged when she hears that the pregnant queen has been imprisoned by her own husband, King Leontes, on charges of adultery, "I dare be sworn. These dangerous, unsafe lunes i' th' King, beshrew them! He must be told on't, and he shall" (II.ii.27-29). Paulina, a courageous woman, takes charge of the situation by attempting to convince the queen through Emilia, the queen's attendant who is also in prison, to release the prematurely-delivered infant to her "If she dares trust me with her little babe, I'll show't the King, and undertake to be Her advocate to th' loud'st," (II.ii.36-38). Paulina is certain that upon seeing the infant, Leontes' heart will soften, "he may soften at the sight o' th' child; The silence often of pure innocence Persuades, when speaking fails,"(II.ii.39-41). Hermione releases the infant to Paulina; a testimony of the trust the queen has in her loyal friend.
At court Leontes, unable to sleep, is determined to murder Hermione and the infant, "and together with the dam, Commit them to the fire" (II.iii.93-94). The king has the power to determine who will live and who will die. However, Paulina, armed with the confidence that Hermione is innocent, directly confronts Leontes' irrational impulse, "It is an heretic that makes the fire, Not she which burns in't" (II.iii.113). At this point, we first begin to realize that Paulina's disregard for her life and personal safety are secondary to her loyalty to the queen. Paulina's integrity is worthy of Hermione's respect and trust.
As Paulina exits court, she takes a calculated risk - she leaves the infant behind. This act seems contradictory for a person who enjoys the trust of the queen. But, Paulina is confident that the king is conscious of his public image. Departing, Paulina baits the king "your own weak- hinged fancy something savors Of tyranny, and will ignoble make you, yea, scandalous to the world" (III.iii.115-118). Risk is a characteristic of heroes, and Paulina is well aware of the danger of being confrontational with the king. In this circumstance, to abandon the infant in the hands of the histerical king is an act of courage.
In the end Paulina's heroic acts not only win her the trust of Leontes, but the king also awards her with a husband, "And take her by the hand, whose worth and honesty Is richly noted, and here justified By us, pair of kings," (V.iii.44). Paulina proved, throughout the story, to be fearless when faced with danger; this quality is indeed one of a hero. Her loyalty to Hermione, and her persistance to see justice be done are what make her a woman of great integrity. Paulina has proven to be a true hero.
William Shakespear. "The Winter's Tale." Signet Classic. F. Kermode, ed.