Estragon represents the impulsive, simplistic side of the two main characters, much in contrast to his companion Vladimir's careful intellectualism and verbosity. He cares little for appearances, and is mostly concerned with eating and sleeping. Due to his pessimistic outlook on life, he has abandoned all hope of any alleviation from their suffering, and regards "Godot" suspiciously. This is perhaps because Estragon has far more to worry about. Of the two, Estragon suffers the most physically. He is kicked by Lucky, takes numerous pratfalls, and is beaten by a gang of thugs every night. He also has great difficulty with his boots. In the first act, they do not fit and cause him pain. At the end of the act, he leaves them on the side of the road in disgust. In the second act, he finds them in the same place, now mysteriously fitting him. This boot focus may be interpreted as being representative of his lower status and his "earthy" nature. Estragon has a misanthropic view of humanity: he considers people to be "ignorant apes" and seems to want them to leave him alone. However, he is very attached to Vladimir : he needs protection, and Vladimir provides it. Estragon is often seen as the child to Vladimir's adult, and as such looks for parental security in him.
Estragon should not, however, be written off as merely a childish simpleton. He easily matches Vladimir in verbal melee. He also shows an artistic side, and even claims to have once been a poet. His brief, but evocative, monologue about the "maps of the Holy Land" is very poetic in nature. He can even quote Shelley : Excerpt from Shelley's poem: "Art thou pale for weariness/Of climbing heaven and gazing on the earth..." Estragon's play on it: "Pale for weariness...Of climbing heaven and gazing on the likes of us."
Appearance
Estragon is given perhaps the most minimal description in the play. He is only described as wearing "rags", walking with a limp and being lighter than Vladimir. Because of his rather gluttonous nature, however, he is often played as being short and slightly fat. His clothes are usually a bit dirtier than Vladimir's as well, and seem to be in far worse condition. This interpretation is best attributed to his total lack of restraint and inhibitions. Many famous actors have taken on the role, notably Bert Lahr, Sir Ian McKellen and Robin Williams. Beckett is even said to have wanted Marlon Brando in one production.
