J. Dennis Huston calls Parolles "a curious mixture of the corrupt and the commendable." He acknowledges that Parolles is foolish and corrupt, but he also points out that Parolles injects a good deal of energy into the play. Gerard J. Gross finds his enthusiasm similarly engaging. When Parolles meets up with Helena as she is despairing, their discussion of sex and virginity cause Helena to be energized and desirous of taking action to fulfill her goals. Robert Hapgood draws a similar conclusion, arguing that Parolles's exuberance, even in his betrayal of Bertram and his fellow soldiers, is "disarming" in its "zest." Parolles also draws off criticism from Helena, Katharine Eisaman Maus argues, as they are both social climbers, but Parolles's character and actions seem much more reprehensible in the light of Helena's virtue and honor.

Harold C. Goddard praises Shakespeare for his "masterpiece" in Parolles. Goddard argues...