Orlando, the youngest son of Sir Roland de Boys, is harshly treated by his brother Oliver but decides to try his luck in the general challenge issued by the Duke's wrestler Charles. Charles is told by Oliver to injure Orlando if he can. While the match is watched by Celia, the Duke's daughter, and her companion cousin, Rosalind, with their friend the court jester, Touchstone, Rosalind falls in love with Orlando. Charles is overthrown but the Duke dismisses Orlando angrily when he learns he is the son of an old enemy. Rosalind boldly gives Orlando a chain to wear and he in turn is overcome with love.

Rosalind's father, Duke Senior, lives in exile in the Forest of Arden following a coup by his brother. When Rosalind is unexpectedly banished by her uncle, Celia and Touchstone resolve to go with her to seek her father so, disguised as a country boy Ganymede and his sister, Aliena, the girls leave court secretly. Orlando, meanwhile, fearing for his life, has also left home, accompanied by his father's faithful servant, Adam.

In the Forest of Arden the weary cousins and Touchstone see a lovesick shepherd, Silvius, declaring his feelings for a scornful shepherdess, Phoebe. The travellers meet an old shepherd, Corin, who needs a new master to take over the land where his flocks graze and Ganymede buys the lease to set up home in the forest. Not far away, unaware of the newcomers, Duke Senior is living a simple outdoor life with his courtiers and huntsmen. With them is the melancholy Jaques who keeps all amused with his comments on the human condition. They are interrupted by the arrival of Orlando who seeks food for the worn-out Adam. The two men are welcomed by the outlaw courtiers.

Ganymede and Aliena find verses addressed to Rosalind hung on the forest branches by Orlando and Ganymede plans to cure Orlando of his love by persuading him to woo as if Ganymede were Rosalind. The game causes Ganymede/Rosalind much frustration. Meanwhile Touchstone has dazzled a country girl, Audrey, with his courtly manners so that she deserts her faithful William for the fool.

Oliver has come to the forest to seek Orlando, and his life is saved by his brother who is slightly injured in the incident. On hearing the news from Oliver Ganymede faints but Celia and Oliver fall in love. Phoebe now meets and falls in love with Ganymede before ‘he' has to promise to assist Silvius and Orlando to win the women they desire. With the aid of a masque play led by Hymen Rosalind reappears in her female clothes and is given by her father to Orlando while Phoebe accepts Silvius. Orlando's other brother returns from college with the news that Celia's father has left court to become a hermit and Jaques leaves Duke Senior to join him in seclusion. The play ends with a joyful dance to celebrate the four marriages.

As You Like It was written about 1600. It was first printed in the Folio of 1623.

©Marian J. Pringle