What are some character traits of Demetrius in A Midsummer Night's Dream?

Demetrius is a character who is fickle, very selfish, and insensitive.

The fickleness of Demetrius is demonstrated with his switching of his affections from Helena to Hermia. His insistent and selfish pursuit of Hermia for no other reason than his agreement with Egeus also upsets the balance among the four Athenian youths in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Certainly, Demetrius's conduct underscores Lysander's observation that "the course of true love never did run smooth" (1.1.134). For...

Demetrius is a character who is fickle, very selfish, and insensitive.

The fickleness of Demetrius is demonstrated with his switching of his affections from Helena to Hermia. His insistent and selfish pursuit of Hermia for no other reason than his agreement with Egeus also upsets the balance among the four Athenian youths in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Certainly, Demetrius's conduct underscores Lysander's observation that "the course of true love never did run smooth" (1.1.134). For he first loves Helena, then switches to Hermia.

Demetrius is also cruel. When Helena pursues him, he tells her,

I love thee not, therefore pursue me not . . . .
And here am I, and wood within this wood,
Because I cannot meet my Hermia.
Hence, get thee gone, and follow me no more. (2.1.193-198)

Then, when Helena insists that she loves him, and she begs permission to follow him, Demetrius replies cruelly,

Tempt not too much the hatred of my spirit
For I am sick when I do look upon thee. (2.1.214-215)

Demetrius then rushes away, leaving Helena to the "mercy of wild beasts" (2.1.232).

It would seem that even Oberon is disgusted with Demetrius after watching Helena's pathetic display. By sending Puck to right things, he ensures that before these Athenians leave the forest, their roles will be reversed.