Romance and tragedy in The Winter's Tale In The Winter's Tale, the line between romance and tragedy is thin and almost blends together. The romantic ending would not be possible without the tragic beginning. For example, how could the love story between Leontes and Hermione ultimately unfold without the almost tragic mistake that Leontes makes in the first three acts of the play? Specific characters are responsible for how the play unfolds, with or without the Fates' help. Paulina, for example, understands her role and mission as Hermione's friend and uses her manipulative skills to influence Leontes. His faith in the oracle and his vision of romantic possibilities fuel this responsibility. Perdita's return to Sicily and her original family may have been influenced by a fortunate coincidence, yet the shepherd takes responsibility for ensuring Perdita's survival. Furthermore, Autolycus' unexpected kindness is also responsible for the happy ending. Furthermore, Hermione's portrayal as a strong and honorable woman is portrayed through her ability to sacrifice sixteen years of her life due to her belief in the oracle's prediction. The determining action for the romantic outcome of the play lies in the characters involved and their determination to do what is morally right, resulting in a romantic climax. Paulina takes advantage of the time she is given to understand Leontes and become his trusted advisor. Over the course of sixteen years, he manages to influence Leontes' perception of Hermione in his mind, so much so that when she returns from the dead, he will be in a state of despair for her and ecstasy at seeing her again. Paulina says: "Lord, my lord, / Your eyes have too much youth; no... half of the card... ability to realize the romantic climax. Each character is responsible for a piece of the puzzle, willingly avoiding conflict, misunderstandings and tragedies, which ultimately result in the happy ending that characterizes the love story. Works Cited and Consulted Clarke, Charles Cowden-Characters mainly subordinate ones London: Smith & Elder, 1863 Reprinted by AMS Press, NY, 1974. The the English language's first new intergalactic Wickedary by Daly, Mary and Jane Caputi, Boston: Beacon Press, 1987. McLuskie, Kathleen Shakespeare: New Essays on Cultural Materialism, editors London: Cornell Univ Press, 1985. Pyle, The Winter's Tale: A Commentary on the Structure, 1969.