Julia

Julia is the faithful lover of Proteus. It is unfortunate that Proteus, whom she loves dearly, chooses to indulge in acts of deception once she is out of sight. At first Julia is rather hesitant to reveal her love for Proteus; however, her conversation with Lucetta, her waiting-woman, makes it clear that she is in love with Proteus. She resolves to love him devoutly only when she can make sure of his love for her. While in Verona, he proves himself worthy of Julia's love.

When Julia cannot suppress her desire to be with the absent Proteus any longer, she decides to follow him to Milan. None of Lucetta's warnings about the journey being long and wearisome can dissuade her. She believes that her love for Proteus will strengthen her to overcome the hazardous journey. Julia, however, is not blinded by her love for Proteus and retains her practicality. To prevent any encounter with lascivious men on the journey to Milan, she disguises herself as a page.

Julia's arduous journey unfortunately does not reap a pleasant reward for her. When she arrives in Milan, she finds Proteus wooing Silvia and proclaiming that she is dead. Although she is horror-struck over his words and actions, Julia maintains grace under pressure. Her desire to be as close to Proteus as possible drives her to enter his service as his page, Sebastian. Her role as page demands many unpleasant things of her. One of the most appalling situations is when she takes her own ring to give to Silvia in exchange for the latter's picture. Julia wants to hate the recipient of the ring, but she finds her to be a kind and gentle woman. Fortunately for Julia, Silvia refuses to accept the ring and denounces Proteus for having sent it.

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