Estragon

Estragon (affectionately Gogo; he tells Pozzo his name is Adam) is one of the two main characters from Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot. His name is the French word for tarragon.

Appearance

Estragon is given perhaps the most minimal description in the play. He is only described as wearing "rags", walking with a limp (that eventually wears off) and being lighter than Vladimir. Because of his rather glutonous nature, however, he is often played as being short and slightly fat (in comparison to the often tall and lanky Vladimir). His clothes are usually dirtier than Vladimir's as well, and seem to be in far worse condition. This interpretion is best attributed to his total lack of restraint and inhibitions (diving for food, sleeping in ditches, etc.). It should be noted that this is only a convention of some productions (as exemplified by the picture at top).

Related Topics:
Vladimir - Convention

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Many famous actors have taken on the role (especially those of the afformentioned body type), notably Bert Lahr and Robin Williams (with Steve Martin as Vladimir). Beckett is even said to have wanted Marlon Brando in one production (with Buster Keaton as Vladimir).

Related Topics:
Bert Lahr - Robin Williams - Steve Martin - Marlon Brando - Buster Keaton

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Relatives

In Tom Stoppard's Godot pastiche, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, the character Rosencrantz closely resembles Estragon (despite the similarites of his name and "Guildenstern", whom actually bears a close resemblance to Vladimir).

Related Topics:
Tom Stoppard - Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead - Rosencrantz - Guildenstern

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In Kevin Smith's film "Clerks.," the character Dante is a close analog for Estragon during the fist half of the movie; the character Randall assumes the Estragon role at the end.

Related Topics:
Kevin Smith - Film - Clerks.

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