Act 1 summary

Scene 1
This scene begins with Theseus, a duke of Athens sitting in his home talking to his wife, Hippolyta, about the preparations for their marriage when Egeus, Demetrius, Hermia and Lysander enter. Egeus explains how he promised to give his daughter Hermia to Demetrius in marriage, but Hermia has fallen in love with another man named Lysander. Egeus explains how he has decided to kill Hermia if she does not marry Demetrius. The group quarrels amongst themselves about what Hermia should do and why. In the end, Theseus gives Hermia until the next new moon to decide whether she will marry Demetrius, accept death, or never love again. After the others leave, Lysander and Hermia plot to run away so they can be together. They tell Helena, Hermia's friend, of their plot. Helena, wishing for the love of Demetrius, decides to tell Demetrius of Hermia and Lysander's plan to run away.

Scene 2
This scene begins with a troupe of actors discussing their next play. The play they will be preforming for Theseus on his wedding will be about Pyramus and Thisbe. One actor named Bottom boasts about his performances the entire time. They discus the parts of the play and decide to meet later in the woods to practice the play.