This introductory section outlines the structural breakdown and character roster of a theatrical play. The first component details the division of the play into five distinct acts alongside an epilogue. Each act contains multiple individual scenes set across various locations such as an orchard, the Duke palace, rooms within the palace, and the expansive Forest of Arden.
Following the table of contents, the text provides a comprehensive list of characters under the dramatis personae. This roster includes family members such as Orlando Oliver and Jaques de Boys who are the sons of Sir Rowland de Boys, alongside household servants like Adam and Dennis. The royal and noble figures feature Duke Senior living in exile and his usurping brother Duke Frederick, accompanied by their respective daughters Rosalind and Celia.
The character list further encompasses supporting figures within the court and the pastoral setting. These include courtiers like Le Beau, attending lords such as Jaques and Amiens, and court figures including the clown Touchstone. The rural environment of the Forest of Arden is populated by shepherds and shepherdesses like Corin Silvius Phoebe and Audrey alongside country figures such as William and the vicar Sir Oliver Martext.