Act 5 of Winter's Tale runs 636 lines across 3 scenes, carrying about 18.9% of the play’s total dialogue with 17 named speakers. It’s shorter than the play’s average act (672 lines).
Act opens (Scene 1, Cleomenes): “Sir, you have done enough, and have perform'd”
Act closes (Scene 3, Leontes): “We were dissever'd: hastily lead away.”
The 3 scenes of Act 5
Who speaks in Act 5
The leading voice is Leontes with 29% of Act 5’s dialogue (182 lines).
| Character | Lines in act | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Leontes ♂ | 182 | 28.6% |
| Paulina ♀ | 144 | 22.6% |
| Third Gentleman ♂ | 66 | 10.4% |
| Florizel ♂ | 38 | 6.0% |
| Clown ♂ | 34 | 5.3% |
| First Gentleman ♂ | 26 | 4.1% |
| Lord ♂ | 24 | 3.8% |
How Act 5 of Winter's Tale compares to other romances
| Play | Act 5 lines | Scenes |
|---|---|---|
| Cymbeline | 950 | 5 |
| Winter's Tale (this act) | 636 | 3 |
| Pericles, Prince of Tyre | 459 | 3 |
| The Tempest | 383 | 1 |
About Act 5 of Winter's Tale
How many lines are in Act 5 of Winter’s Tale?
636 lines spread across 3 scenes.
Who dominates Act 5?
Leontes delivers 29% of the act’s dialogue (182 lines).