The absurd comedies Waiting for Godot written by Samuel Beckett and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead written by Tom Stoppard both incorporate human needs and concerns into their context through its whimsical appearance and comical dialogues. Both works belong to the category of the theater of the absurd, where existentialist philosophy underlies all aspects of the works. The central characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead share a deep friendship, this same friendship can also be seen within the relationship between Vladimir and Estragon who are the protagonists of Waiting for Godot. Beckett and Stoppard playfully express friendship and camaraderie throughout their works, while both sets of characters delve into human needs as they illustrate the mutual dependence that each character relies on. Addiction can be easily seen in Waiting for Godot as the two protagonists Vladimir and Estragon are in each other's company throughout the show. When Estragon tries to sleep while the two wait for Godot, he has a nightmare and Vladimir runs to help him. In an attempt to comfort Estragon, who was becoming hysterical, Vladimir says: "There... there... Didi is there... don't be afraid... there... there... it's all over..." (Beckett 79). This interaction between them explains Estragon's dependence on Vladimir. Estragon has a more fragile mental physique than Vladimir and needs Vladimir's reassurance to know that his dream was not reality. On the other hand, Vladimir would have a sunny disposition without Estragon, as Estragon is the friend he relies on for his mental health as Estragon is the anchor that holds Vladimir to society and life. The two often argue in verbal exchanges, however...... middle of paper ......r Godot and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead are absurd dramas, they are related around a couple of friends who are comical both in their actions than their dialogue. Stoppard's set of characters depends on each other as much as Beckett's set. The theme of dependence can be overlooked when first reading both plays, to find this underlying theme requires a deeper analysis to produce a clearer understanding of Rosencrantz's dependence on Guildenstern or Estragon's dependence on Vladimir or vice versa. The protagonists describe a friendly relationship, with a common thread of dependence, which manifests itself in humanity and is a trait present in society. Works Cited Beckett, Samuel. Waiting for Godot: tragicomedy in 2 acts. New York: Grove Press, 1982. Print. Stoppard, Tom. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead. New York: Grove Press, 1967. Print.