John Clavell? ['Shakerly Marmion' listed in the 1653 Stationers' Register]
THE SODDERED CITIZEN
circa 1629–1631
a synoptic, alphabetical character list
ADAM
Only mentioned. Adam is mentioned by Brainsicke when he is talking to Miniona about marriage: "To finishe in the way of Matrymonie, / Ould Adam tought vs all good Husbandrie."
AESOP
Only mentioned. Aesop is mentioned by Brainsicke when he is talking to Vndermyne, disguised as a "Scrivener". As he is explaining to him how ingenious he is, he compares himself to Aesop in the following terms: "As Aesopps faggott ere the band was looson'd, / Howe could wee ells subsist?" According to Aesop's fable "The Bundle of Sticks", union gives strength. The fable tells us the story of an old man who, "on the point of death, summoned his sons around him to give them some parting advice. He ordered his servants to bring in a faggot of sticks, and said to his eldest son: 'Break it.' The son strained and strained, but with all his efforts was unable to break the Bundle. The other sons also tried, but none of them was successful. 'Untie the faggots,' said the father, 'and each of you take a stick.' When they had done as they had been told, he called out to them: 'Now, break,' and each stick was easily broken. 'You see my meaning,' said their father."
APOLLO
Only mentioned. Apollo is mentioned by Brainsicke when he intends to make Vndermyne drunk. He states that "Appollo" is said to frequent a tavern kept by fair Themis.
BACCUS
Only mentioned. Baccus is mentioned by Brainsicke when, trying to make Vndermyne drunk, he says: "and those Promethius, / (with the healpe of Baccus a true blade indeed)."
BARRON
A "ghost character." Barron is mentioned by Modestina as a possible suitor for Miniona. The latter despises him because he is not a man of "spotless honour."
BIRDLYME
Disguise adopted by Brainsicke in order to cheat Vndermyne. He claims he was a Paper Smith, a profession he defines as that of a scrivener who used to forge everything that went under his hand. In that guise the former misleads the latter into believing that he and his friends (Clutch and Shackle, also disguised) intend to help citizens like Vndermyne who, due to their knavery, have become bankrupt and are prosecuted by their creditors. They offer to hide and protect him in their household until everything is over.
BRAINSICKE
Samuell Brainsicke is a licentious young gentleman who is in prison when the play starts. He sends his boy, Fewtricks, to see Vndermyne with a letter in which he asks the wealthy man for money to be able to pay his bail (or to bribe someone–that is not too clear) to leave prison, since his old father is dying. Vndermyne is actually moved by what the boy reports and gives the money to him. Later, when Brainsicke is reminded by Clutch of the fact that he has to write to his father, the young gentleman plans to write a threatening letter in order to shock and kill the old man. But he is soon dissuaded by Clutch and Fewtricks, who argue that in the event that his father should not die when reading the letter, he would remember its contents and wish to take revenge on his son. However, if he lets the old man live long enough to write his will–considering that he will most certainly disinherit his son and leave his property to his servants–on his death, his son could argue he was a lunatic, which would make the will void before the law, and, thus, everything would go to him. Once out of prison, Brainsicke goes to visit Vndermyne with the intention of making him drunk–offering him wine and telling him stories about Greek gods. On a second visit to the wealthy man, he meets a Creditor's servant who has been cheated by Vndermyne. Suddenly he sees Miniona, and notices that she is extremely kind to him. But he soon realizes that her intention is to dissuade him from giving her father away to his creditors. Thus, he decides to see how far she can go. Then, Hodge brings him a letter from the country with the news that his old father has passed away, and Brainsicke seems to be pleased to hear it. He explains to Miniona that, being the elder brother (he has another brother and two sisters) he will be the administrator of the fortune. Afterwards, he asks her to marry him, but he has to overcome her reluctance, based on her awareness of the licentious life he has been leading. When she finally accepts him, he then makes it a condition that they will not give any money to her father, not even if he asks for it. Later, when the girl meets her father, although she is eager to break the news of her betrothal to him, Brainsicke advises her not to do it yet, because he wants to prolong his suffering–since Vndermyne is being prosecuted by his creditors–to see if, in the meantime, her father dies. In the end, he marries Miniona, and he goes to visit his father-in-law. The latter–on learning that his son-in-law's father has passed away, and in the belief that the young man has been bequeathed a fortune–asks Brainsicke to pay his debts. But the youth then shows him the letter his father had sent him, which reveals that the only property he has inherited from his father is a bull.
BRAINSICKE'S FATHER
A "ghost character." Father to Brainsicke, he is defined by Vndermyne as a "bastard by some of Nesto Tribe" and a man who has a lot of diseases, namely, "the applopex, strongullion, Tisicke, Catarr, Gowte, Palsey, ague, Pox, etc., but yet he lives." However, eventually, he actually dies, bequeathing only a bull to his son.
BRAYDE
Disguise adopted by Shackle in order to cheat Vndermyne. He claims he was a "Haberdasher of small ware." In that guise, he, together with Clutch and Brainsicke (also disguised), mislead the wealthy man into believing that they intend to help citizens like Vndermyne who, due to their knavery, have become bankrupt and are prosecuted by their creditors. They offer to hide and protect him in their household until everything is over.
CHARON
Disguise adopted by Makewell, the doctor, when he is about to cure Sir Wittworth. Since the latter, in his madness, believes he is dead, the doctor pretends he is Charon. According to Greek mythology, Charon was the ferryman who rowed the dead across the River Styx into the underworld.
CLUTCH
Clutch is one of Brainsicke's keepers. He, and often Shackle, accompany the young man everywhere he goes after he is released from jail. Clutch reminds Brainsicke of the fact that he has to write to his father, but when he hears what the young man intends to say in his letter, he is shocked by its contents and tries to dissuade him. Instead, he argues that in the event that his father should not die when reading the letter, he would remember its contents and wish to take revenge on his son. Afterwards, he accompanies Brainsicke and Fewtricks when they go to see Vndermyne, and there, they meet a Creditor's servant. Clutch advises him to join the rest of the creditors in a "Comission of bankerupt."
COMMISSIONER, FIRST and SECOND
The First and Second Commissioners are men of authority. They do not believe Sir Wittworth when he accuses Vndermyne of having cheated all his creditors. Then, when they hear Mountayne offering to meet the wealthy man's debts they wonder at his generosity. Later, Brainsicke arrives, and when he also offers to meet Vndermyne's debts, the First Commissioner takes him for an honest young man, but the Second Commissioner wants to know what goods he exactly owns. In the end, they learn the truth, and Vndermyne has to pay. (There are some lines spoken by Commissioners which are missing from the playtext)
COVETT
Only mentioned. Covett is mentioned by Clutch when he, Brainsicke and Shackle, disguised, are teasing Vndermyne. His actual words are "...wee have Ladds shall roare him to the squees, and such an Euiam– / as shall rayse him to a greedy Covett of his owne ruine."
CUPID
Only mentioned. Modestina mentions Cupid, when she reveals her feelings for Sir Wittworth, with the lines:
DUNCALION
Only mentioned. Brainsicke mentions Duncalion while, in his attempt to make Vndermyne drunk, he tells him the story of Duncalion and Pirra. According to Ovid's Metamorphoses, Prometheus warned his son Deucalion and his wife Pirra (Epimeteo and Pandora's daughter) about the flood that Jupiter was planning to send to the earth. Deaucalion and Pirra are the new modellers of the human race as they are the only survivors and they are closely related to Prometheus. They probably used the stones Pausanias to create men and women. Notice this is one the mythological versions of Noah's flood.
EUROPE
Only mentioned. Europe is mentioned by Sir Wittworth as he laments after finding out that his beloved Modestina has been raped, because now she is too ashamed to go back to him. He actually blames Jove for what happened to her, and compares her misfortune to that of Europe in the mythological account, since she lost her chastity and innocence when Jove went to her in his borrowed shapes.
FEWTRICKS
Fewtricks is Brainsicke's boy. He goes to see Vndermyne with a letter from his master, and later, when they meet Mountayne, he reveals himself as a boy who must have received some education, since he can translate Latin. Afterwards, when Brainsicke tells him and Clutch about the contents of the letter he intends to send to his father, Fewtricks expresses his astonishment by, mockingly, remarking that such a letter will be the best way to put an end to his father's suffering, since he will surely pass away the moment he reads it. He soon thinks of an alternative, and advises his master to let the old man live long enough to write his will–considering that he will most certainly disinherit him and leave his property to his servants–, on his death, Brainsicke could argue he was a lunatic, which would make the will void before the law, and, thus, everything would go to him. Later, he helps his master to make Vndermyne drunk, and when they visit him again, they meet a creditor's servant who tells them he cannot get his master's money back because Vndermyne seems to have lost his fortune. Fewtricks explains to him that he must have been cozened by the wealthy man. When Miniona and her maid enter, he kisses and courts the latter, and he is corresponded by her, but when he later offers to couple with her, he is nicely turned down.
HABERDASHER'S WIFE
A "ghost character." The Haberdasher's wife is mentioned by Shackle when he is pretending to be a Ramallyan. In that disguise, he explains that he was a "haberdasher" and that his wife "tooke lewde Courses" because she was not satisfied with what god sent.
HODGE
Hodge is a country fellow who brings a letter from his master, Mr Zam, to Samuell Brainsicke Esquier, with the news that his father has passed away. He speaks with a peculiar country jargon that Miniona cannot understand (she even asks for an "interpreter"). He will help Brainsicke to marry her.
JOVE
Only mentioned. He is first mentioned by Brainsicke, when, as he is trying to make Vndermyne drunk, he refers to "Ioves Nectar." Later, Sir Wittworth also mentions Jove when he laments that his beloved Modestina has been raped and abused, and that now she is too ashamed to go back to him. Incensed, he addresses to the god in the following terms: "Iove, I defie thee, t'art the Pagan god, / All rape, and Incest."
JUNO
Only mentioned. Sir Wittworth mentions Iuno when, lamenting how his beloved Modestina has been raped, and blaming Iove for it, he cries to the Roman god: "court thyne enraged Iuno." According to Roman mythology, Juno (Greek Hera) was an ancient goddess and a member of the Capitoline Triad. She was also sister and wife to Jove (Greek Zeus). Since Zeus's list of lovers after his marriage to Hera is considerable, it could be easily understood that she should be enraged.
KING
Only mentioned. The King is mentioned by Vndermyne at the end of the play. He would probably be part of the audience, as his address indicates: "[All humble thanks unto our gratious Queene], [That ask'd his pardon and our Kings thus gave it]." Taking into account that the approximate date of the play is 1629, the King at that time was Charles I (reigned 1625-49).
MAKEWELL
Makewell is "a Doctor of Phisicke", neighbor to Vndermyne. He is allied to Sir Wittworth, who is in love with Modestina, which makes the wealthy man fear that the doctor's influence on the young man might be pernicious for his plans, since he sees the young gentleman as a good match for his daughter, Miniona. Actually, when Vndermyne reprimands Sir Wittworth and Modestina for their indecent behavior, Makewell tries to intercede, and encourages his friend telling him that, despite her uncle's opposition, he will have the girl he loves. But when Modestina is raped, the doctor worries about Sir Wittworth, because the later is really suffering for his beloved one's misfortune. Later, he is announced his friend's madness by Sly, and blames Modestina for it, since she left him. Afterwards, when he learns that the girl had only left him because she loved him dearly, and she could not bear his suffering the shame of her having been dishonored, he devises a plan to cure the young gentleman and to help them to be together again. With that aim in mind, and since his friend believes himself dead, the doctor disguises himself a Charon, to be able to communicate with Sir Wittworth in his underworld. Although, at the beginning, the plan seems to fail, it works in the end.
MINIONA
Miniona is Vndermyne's daughter and his sole heir. Her father would like her to marry Sir Wittworth, on account of his rank and fortune. She has other suitors, such as Sir Newman, for example, but she despises those who, though rich, are not of noble birth. That is the reason why she envies Modestina, because Sit Wittworth, a gentleman of noble birth, is in love with her, and Miniona would like him as a prospective husband for herself. Aware of that, Modestina chides her for expecting from others more than she can actually offer, not being of noble descent herself. Later, when Sir Wittworth comes to woo Modestina, Miniona reprimands her, because the thinks that Modestina's words do not become a lady. But when, to mock her, he pretends to show interest in her, she accepts it gladly, and she even lets him know that his love is requited. However, she soon learns the truth: he was just trying to teach her a lesson and punish her for her vanity. Seeking revenge, she goes to tell her father about that mockery, and he promises to do something about it. Afterwards, she pretends to be interested in Brainsicke, in a desperate attempt to dissuade him from giving her father away to his creditors. She even shows her concern with Brainsicke's perpetual drinking. But her attitude changes when Hodge arrives with the news that Brainsicke's father has died. Then she is suddenly genuinely interested in the young man, and eager to know how many brothers and sisters he has. When Hodge reveals that he has a brother and too sisters, Brainsicke is quick to add that, being the elder brother, he will have to administer their fortune. Aware of the fact that she is extremely pleased with his sudden change of status, he asks her to marry him. But, she does not seem to be too pleased with the idea, as she reminds him of the promiscuous life he has been leading. He quickly assures her that is over, and then she accepts him. The moment she sees her father, she wants to break the news to him, but Brainsicke advises her not to it yet, to see if, prolonging his suffering, he dies sooner. Not really being a loving daughter, she agrees, and they get married. Only after her wedding, will she tell her father how much she despises him.
MINIONA'S MAID
This Maid is servant to Miniona. She mocks Modestina when she thinks that Sir Wittworth is in love with her mistress. Later, when they meet Brainsicke and Fewtricks, she is kissed and wooed by the latter. But if, initially, she responds to his advances to her, afterwards, considering his intentions are not completely noble, she seems to turn him down.
MODESTINA
Modestina is an orphan, niece to Vndermyne. Sir Wittworth is in love with her and she with him. She lives with her uncle and his daughter, Miniona. Miniona reveales that she is jealous of Modestina's luck, since she is being wooed by young Sir Wittworth. Modestina, a sound girl who descends from ancient gentry of the country, chides Miniona for demanding from her suitors more titles than she can offer them herself. Afterwards, when her beloved Sir Wittworth comes to woo her, she requites his love. And when she is reprimanded by the jealous Miniona, she and Wittworth decide to teach her a lesson. Thus, Sir Wittworth pretends to be in love with Miniona, and Modestina, on her part, pretends to be jealous. They succeed, and manage to punish her cousin for her vanity. But, then, Vndermyne, in order to avenge his daughter's offence, sends Wittworth away from Modestina, and tells her to go to her room and live as an achoress. She is then raped by Mountayne's varlets, at the request of Vndermyne. Later, she meets Sir Wittworth, but he behaves in a strange way, and he shows her a letter she had supposedly sent him. When she reads it, she realizes that he has not read what she wrote, but what another hand added after her lines. She explains that to him, and they reconcile with a kiss. Because of her rape, she feels she has to leave, because she does not want to be a burden for him, nor to dishonor his name. Therefore she flees. When, after some time, she comes back, she meets Makewell, and she explains to him the reason that had forced her to leave: she could not let her beloved Sir Wittworth share the burden of her shame. But when she learns that he went out of his mind after losing her, she feels as if she were going mad as well. Therefore, when the doctor tells her about his plan to bring Sir Wittworth back to his wits again, she agrees to take part in it. Thus, she pretends to be a dead woman who meets him at the Styx lake. And, although their plan does nor seem to work at first, she decides to devote her life to taking care of her beloved Wittworth. Her sacrifice is finally recompensed, because, eventually, he recovers his sanity.
MODESTINA'S MAID
This Maid is servant to Modestina. She cannot believe her eyes when she sees Sir Wittworth courting Miniona, and she warns her lady about his behaviour.
MOUNTAYNE
Mountayne is a goldsmith, who has several servants. He is a Jew who defines himself as a citizen of the wide world, and he explains that he trades with many nations and all sort of men. He also boasts that he knows men very well and that he is a knave. When his presence before Vndermyne is requested by Sly, he goes instantly. When he finally arrives at Vndermyne's, he states he owes loyalty to him. Afterwards, the wealthy man reminds him of everything he has done for him. But Mountayne, for his part, also reminds him of the fact that both of them have escaped scandal. Then, he is invited by Vndermyne to take part in his knavery, and he accepts. Thus, he learns that, on the one hand, Vndermyne has plotted a plan to make Sir Wittworth marry his daughter, and, on the other, he wants him to rob the "Citye Chamber", buy a mannor and let him be "Ioynct Purchaser" upon the deed, without people knowing about it. Then he wants him to sell the property again, without including him in the contract. Therefore, when Vndermyne receives the money, he will dismiss the actual purchasers and share the profit with Mountayne. Later, Vndermyne goes even further, and gives him his niece's jewels for him to tell his varlets to rape Modestina and make her a wretch. After the tasks have been carried out, he asks the Vndermyne if it is true that Modestina has fled and that Sir Wittworth has gone mad. As they are talking, they realisz they are being spied by the servant of one of Vndermyne's creditors, thus, they put on a scene in which Mountayne is blamed for the loss of Vndermyne's fortune, in an attempt to dissuade the servant from asking the wealthy man for the money he owes to his master. Afterwards, Mountayne informs Vndermyne that his daughter has married Brainsicke. When, later, the creditors come to seek Vndermyne, Mountayne is abused by the latter, and promises–although he does not really mean it–to pay the creditors their money back to have his good name restored in the city. Actually, he is amazed when, in the end, Vndermyne becomes an honest man and pays his creditors the money he owed them–given that they had agreed to cheat and cozen. Therefore, he will regard the Vndermyne as a traitor.
MOUNTAYNE'S FATHER
A "ghost character." Vndermyne mentions Montaigne's father when he explains that he had "known the Pillory, as records at Newgate have him registered."
MR BATEMAN
A "ghost character." Mr. Bateman is a creditor. He sends a servant to see Sly in the hope he should pay him the money his master owes him. Actually, at first, he seems to be the only creditor who is going to be paid, although, in the end, all of them recover their money.
MR. BATEMAN'S SERVANT
Mr. Bateman's servant goes to see Sly in the hope that Vndermyne should pay him the money he owes his master. It seems that he is actually going to be the only one to be paid there and then.
MR OWEINGE
A "ghost character." Mr. Oweinge is a creditor. He sends a servant to see Sly in the hope he should pay him the money his master owes him. At first, it seems that he is not going to be paid, although, in the end, all creditors will recover their money.
MR. OEWEIGNE'S SERVANT
Mr. Oweinge Servant goes to see Sly, on behalf both of Mr. Shorter and Mr. Oweinge, in the hope that Vndermyne should pay him the money he owes his masters.
MR PAYNE
A "ghost character." Mr. Payne is a creditor. He sends a servant to see Sly, in the hope he should pay him the money his master owes him. At first, it seems that he is not going to be paid either, although, in the end, all creditors will recover their money.
MR. PAYNE'S SERVANT
Mr. Payne's Servant goes to see Sly, on behalf both of Mr Payne and Mr Thorowgood, in the hope that Vndermyne should pay him the money he owes his masters.
MR SHARPE
A "ghost character." Mr. Sharpe is a creditor. He sends a servant to see Sly, in the hope he should pay him the money his master owes him. At first, it seems that he is not going to be paid, although, in the end, all creditors will recover their money.
MR. SHARPE'S SERVANT
Mr. Sharpe's servant goes to see Sly in the hope that Vndermyne should pay him the money he owes his master. When he is told he is not going to be paid, he also feels cozened.
MR SHORTER
Mr. Shorter is a creditor. He had invested some money in Vndermyne's business and now he sends a servant to see Sly, too, in the hope his master–Vndermyne–should pay him the money he owes him. But his servant does not going to receive any money. Later he will be misled by Vndermyne again, who will let him believe that he will recover his money from Mountayne. But, in the end, Vndermyne will become an honest man, and meet his debts.
MR SHORTER'S SERVANT
Mr. Shorter is a creditor. He had invested some money in Vndermyne's business and now he sends a servant to see Sly, too, in the hope his master–Vndermyne–should pay him the money he owes him. But his servant idoes not going to receive any money.
MR STRANGE
Mr. Strange is a creditor. He had invested some money in Vndermyne's business and now he sends a servant to see Sly, in the hope his master–Vndermyne–should pay him the money he owes him. But his servant does not going to receive any money. Later he will be misled by Vndermyne again, who will let him believe that he will recover his money from Mountayne. But, in the end, Vndermyne will become an honest man, and meet his debts.
MR. STRANGE'S SERVANT
Mr. Strange's servant goes to see Sly in the hope that Vndermyne should pay him the money he owes his master. When he is told he is not going to be paid, he feels cheated.
MR TAYLOR
Mr. Taylor is a creditor. He had offered his services to Vndermyne and now he sends his servant to see Sly, in the hope his master–Vndermyne–should pay him his bill. But his servant is not going to receive any money. Later he will be misled by Vndermyne again, who will let him believe that he will recover his money from Mountayne. But, in the end, Vndermyne will become an honest man, and meet his debts.
MR. TAYLOR'S SERVANT
Mr. Taylor's servant goes to see Sly in the hope that Vndermyne should pay him the money he owes his master. When he is told he is not going to be paid, he feels cheated, and he threatens to sue him. Then he goes to see Vndermyne, but he witnesses a fake quarrel between him and Mountayne, in which the former blames the latter for the loss of his fortune. The servant despairs because he realizes he will not get his masters money, and he tells Brainsicke about his misfortune. On hearing it all, Fewtricks explains to him that he has been cozened by Vndermyne.
MR THOROWGOOD
A "ghost character." Mr Thorowgood is a creditor. He sends a servant to see Sly, in the hope he should pay him the money his master owes him. At first, it seems that he is not going to be paid, although, in the end, all creditors will recover their money.
MR THOROWGOOD'S SERVANT
Mr Thorowgood is a creditor. He sends a servant to see Sly, in the hope he should pay him the money his master owes him. At first, it seems that he is not going to be paid, although, in the end, all creditors will recover their money.
MR. ZAM
A "ghost character." Hodge mentions Mister Zam when he arrives, claiming the latter is his master, and the one who has sent him with the letter stating that Brainsicke's father has passed away.
OLD SIR WITTWORTH
A "ghost character." Old Sir Wittworth is mentioned by Vndermyne, when expresses his fear that the old nobleman's friendship with the Doctor might ruin his plans to marry his daughter to the old man's son.
PHAETON
Only mentioned. Sir Wittworth mentions Phaeton when, incensed with Jove because his beloved Modestina has been raped, he threatens: "and like another Phaeton will mount, / thy Mansion ryotous Iove."
PHEBUS
Only mentioned. Phebus is mentioned by Sir Wittworth when he laments that his beloved Modestina is too ashamed to go back to him because she has been raped and abused.
PIRRA
Only mentioned. Pirra is mentioned by Brainsicke when he is trying to make Vndermyne drunk. Pirra was "a prettie wench," called "the pure."
PROMETHIUS
Only mentioned. Promethius is mentioned by Brainsicke when, as he tries to make Vndermyne drunk, he tells him a curiously "adapted" story of this Titan in the following terms: "Subtle Promethius, in the former age / (being by trade a Potter) made of Claye / such Vessells of all formes / wth their mouthes upp / [...] / stole fire from heaven, wherewith hee bak'd, and season'd / The goodly vessells / that they might receeve, / And handsomely conteyne, good liquor in them."
QUEEN
Only mentioned. The Queen is mentioned by Vndermyne at the end of the play. She would probably be part of the audience, as his address indicates: "[All humble thanks unto our gratious Queene], [That ask'd his pardon and our Kings thus gave it]." Taking into account that the approximate date of the play is 1629, the Queen at that time was Henrietta Marķa, married to King Charles I (reigned 1625-49), and daughter to the French king Henry IV.
QUERPO
Disguise adopted by Clutch in order to cheat Vndermyne. He pretends to be a decayed gentleman, and he claims to be a Savoyan, a gentleman and a "scholler." In that guise he and his friends (Brainsicke and Shackle) mislead Vndermyne into believing that they intend to help citizens like him who, due to their knavery, have become bankrupt and are prosecuted by their creditors. They offer to hide and protect him in their household until everything is over.
SEMELE
Only mentioned. Semele is mentioned by Sir Wittworth as he laments after finding out that his beloved Modestina has been raped and abused, because now she is too ashamed to go back to him. According to Greek mythology, Semele was the daughter of Cadmus and Harmonia and one of the many love interests of Zeus. Semele requested that she be granted whatever she asked of him. Zeus reluctantly agreed to make the rash promise. Thus, Semele told Zeus to reveal himself in all of his divine glory. Zeus tried to resist, but he had made a promise. The moment the god showed himself to the woman, Semele, who was pregnant at the time, was incinerated by the heat of his thunderbolts. But Zeus rescued the unborn child and placed him in his thigh. That is how the immortal Dionysos came to life.
SHACKLE
Shackle is one of Brainsicke's keepers. He, and often Clutch, accompany the young man everywhere he goes after he is released from jail.
SIR NEWMAN
A "ghost character." Sir Newman is mentioned by Modestina. She describes him as a sweet young gentleman, suitor to Miniona. Since he is not of noble birth, Miniona turns him down.
SIR WITTWORTH
Sir Wittworth is "a young gentleman of qualitie." He is in love with Modestina, but Vndermyne wants him and his name and fortune for his daughter, Miniona. Sir Wittworth visits his beloved Modestina to woo her, and he realizes that Miniona is jealous. Then he agrees with Modestina to tease her, wooing her as well, thus punishing her for her vanity and thirst for nobility. However, Vndermyne, urged by his daughter, takes revenge and forbids him to see Modestina any more. But the young gentleman is encouraged by his friend, Doctor Makewell, who assures him he will help him have his beloved Modestina. When he actually meets her again, he finds her in a lamentable state, after she has been raped and abused. Besides, as he reads her letter, he is shocked, since he cannot understand the change of attitude he detects in her words. When he shows the letter to her, she explains that she only wrote the first line, and that the rest was added by someone else who wanted to ruin their love. Then they reconcile with a kiss, but he will soon be shocked again when he sees his lady depart and leave him there. When she flees, he goes mad, to the extent that he believes himself dead, and refuses to come back to life, not even after the performance that the Doctor and his dear Modestina, on her return, prepare to make him recover his wits. In the end, he is finally cured and married to Modestina. Thus, he demands from Vndermyne the sum of £15,000 as a dowry for his wife. He will even try to make the creditors realize that the wealthy man has been cheating them, in an attempt to take revenge for all the suffering the old man had caused him.
SLY
Sly is Vndermyne's faithful servant. He goes to prison to visit Brainsicke when his master tells him to, at the beginning of the play, and later he tries to help his master in his plan to distance Modestina and Sir Wittworth. In fact, he tries to make her believe that the young gentleman has been mocking her and saying awful things about her. Sly even tries to take advantage of the situation, making advances to the lady. But she is reluctant to believe him, and rejects him. He later comes in a haste to warn his master that his house is full of Sergeants who "have seised on all," in execution of "the suite" of Mountayne. He is also responsible for worrying and upsetting the Doctor, announcing that Sir Wittworth had fallen dead at their gate, despite the efforts of several people to revive him again. His final task consists in telling the creditors' servants, when they go to see him, that he will only pay Mr. Bateman.
SOLICITOR
The Solicitor arrives before Vndermyne with Sir Wittworth and three creditors, to ask him to pay what he owes them.
THEMIS
Only mentioned. Themis is mentioned by Brainsicke as he tries to make Vndermyne drunk. He explains that "faire Themis" was "a pure Virgin," who kept a Tavern in Mount Parnasus. According to Greek mythology, Themis was a Titanid, daughter to Gaia and Uranus, goddess of custom, assemblies and right order.
UNDERMINE
Vndermyne is a wealthy citizen and a crafty and selfish man. At the beginning of the play he sends his servant, Sly, to the prison, to see Brainsicke, a gentleman who dilapidated all his fortune. When Brainsicke asks him for some money, he feels pity for him, and agrees to give him what he asks for. He and his friend Moutayne, plan a trick involving real estate. He also explains that he would like Sit Wittworth to marry his daughter and sole heir, Miniona, but he knows he is in love with his niece, Modestina. Besides, there is an added danger–his neighbour, Makewell, is a very good friend of Old Sir Wittworth, and he is afraid the Doctor should want the young man into his own family. His daughter arrives, and tells him that she had been mocked by Modestina and Sir Wittworth. He promises to take revenge on them, goes to see them, insults the gentleman and sends his niece to her chamber, ordering her to live like an anchoress there. Afterwards, Vndermyne goes even further, and gives Mountayne all his niece's jewels for him to tell his varlets to rape Modestina and make her a wretch. When he learns that Sergeants have seized everything, he wants to escape. He is misled by Brainsicke, Clutch and Shackle–who are disguised–into believing that they are going to help him escape the fury of his creditors. Later, he despairs when he finds out that Sir Wittworth has recovered his mind, has married Modestina, and, on top of it all, has come to ask him for £15,000 as a dowry for his wife. But he soon thinks of a way of using part of Wittworth's fortune for his own benefit, in fact, he intends to make the young gentleman pay his debts, since now they are related. But Sir Wittworth arrives with two Commissioners, a Solicitor and three creditors, to make the old man pay what he owes to his creditors. Once more, Vndermyne manages to mislead them into believing that he has no money, that the one to blame for his misfortune is Mountayne, and that they should talk to him if they want to recover what they have lost. Afterwards, Mountayne informs Vndermyne that his daughter has married Brainsicke and that his father has passed away. Excited at the thought that his brand-new son-in-law might have inherited a fortune, he is relieved, expecting him to see to his debts now. Thus, he is really disappointed when he learns that all he has inherited is a bull, and that all his daughter feels for him, her father, is hatred. Actually, his daughter's reaction forces him to become an honest man. Therefore, in the end, Vndermyne pays his creditors the money he owed them.