THE TELLTALE

1605–circa 1640

a synoptic, alphabetical character list

The manuscript of the play is currently at Dulwich College. A gap in the text of Act 4 exists in the manuscript, as the text stops in the middle of one scene and resumes in the middle of another scene; it is unclear how much material is missing. The following notes indicate where the lacuna exists.

AMBASSADORS
Venetian ambassadors arrive with ransom for Hortensio and Borgias, and are met by Aspero and the court party. Aspero informs the Ambassadors that, due to the Duke's disappearance, there is no one to accept the ransom. The Ambassadors ask to see the captive princes while agreeing to await the Duke's return. When Borgias enters the Ambassadors warmly greet him, and they learn from Borgias of Hortensio's distracted state. They observe Hortensio first hand when he enters to the court party and speaks nonsense. They later enter with Aspero, Cosmo, and Gismond to see Hortensio in his distraction. Hortensio, restored to sanity, apologizes to them and explains that Elinor has revealed her love, curing him. When the real Elinor enters, the Ambassadors thank her for curing Hortensio, which leads to her denial of any affection for him. After she exits, the Ambassadors follow, promising Hortensio to do what they can to win her affections for him. They enter with Aspero and the Doctor to Cosmo, Gismond, Fernese and Bentivoli and express satisfaction with their treatment at court. When Elinor enters, they join Aspero in advancing Hortensio's suit. They watch her reaction to the news of Garullo's marriage to Lesbia and her reconciliation with Hortensio.

ANCIENT
Officer in the Florentine army. Enters with the Captain and the Lieutenant to Aspero complaining about his withholding of their pay and their rewards for the capture of the Venetian princes. When they threaten to complain to the Duke, Aspero gives them gold to share amongst themselves and their soldiers, and promises to divide the Princes' ransom amongst them when it arrives. Joins the Captain and Lieutenant in their discussion with the disguised Duke regarding their grievance with Aspero over lack of pay. The Lieutenant and Ancient observe the Captain's transformation of the disguised Duke into the supposedly missing Duke, as well as Victoria's reaction when she sees the trimmed and costumed Duke. The remainder of this scene is missing from the manuscript. At the end of the play, the Ancient returns to court with the Duke, Duchess, Julio, the Captain, and Lieutenant, all impersonating their spirits. Picentio, disguised as the French Doctor, commands them to indicate their approval or disapproval of Aspero. After showing signs of approval the spirits perform a dance, during which the Duke takes the crown and the Duchess the scepter. They witness the Duke resume his authority, listen to Bentivoli's tale, witness the purged Garullo's return, and exit with the court to the weddings of Picentio and Isabella and Hortensio and Elinor.

ASPERO
General in the Duke of Florence's army. Negotiates the Venetian princes' ransom for the Duke. As the Valentine game progresses, Aspero intervenes in the dispute between Garrullo, Bentivoli and Hortensio and explains the nature of Garrullo's and Bentivoli's characters to Hortensio. As the court party exits, the Duke speaks privately with Aspero, ordering him to spy on Victoria and Picentio, to catch them together, and to send them to trial and execution. He also provides Aspero with a warrant providing the Duke's authority for these actions, and tells him to keep the army ready in case Victoria and Picentio try to raise a faction. After the Duke exits, Aspero vows to use the commission for his own purposes. Later Aspero meets with the Captain, Lieutenant, and Ancient of the Florentine army, who are angry with him for withholding their pay and their rewards for the capture of the Venetian princes. When they threaten to complain to the Duke, Aspero gives them gold to share amongst themselves and their soldiers, and promises to divide the Princes' ransom amongst them when it arrives. Aspero then hides along with Gismond and Cosmo and witnesses the end of an exchange between the Duchess and Picentio, in which Picentio gives the Duchess a ring. Aspero accuses the Duchess and Picentio of having an affair and shows them the Duke's warrant, charging them with treason. When they both deny the charge, Aspero asks for an explanation of their meeting; Picentio explains that their exchanges were in relation to Isabella's love for Picentio. Aspero offers them a public trial, which they both accept. He calls for Corbino to take Victoria and Picentio to prison, ordering that no one but himself be allowed to visit them. When everyone exits, Aspero reveals malice towards Picentio for interfering with his love for the Duchess and also that, having placed the Duchess and Picentio in custody, his next goal is to capture the Duke. He calls Corbino to him again, and offers him money as well as his freedom if he murders Victoria and Picentio. When Corbino agrees, they exit together to plan their strategy. Later, Aspero greets the Venetian ambassadors and explains that due to the Duke's absence they cannot accept the ransom money; he does send for the captive princes, though. He greets Borgias and learns from him of Hortensio's distracted state after being rejected by Elinor and defeated by Bentivoli. Aspero orders the Doctor to care for Hortensio. When Hortensio himself enters, Aspero witnesses his strange behavior and asks the Doctor to do his best to cure him. Garullo, disguised as a fool, hints to Aspero that he knows about Picentio's murder, but Aspero hopes that the fool was merely guessing. Aspero then greets the Duke, who is disguised as a hermit, and who brings news of the Duke's death. The hermit gives Aspero a note from the Duke, which claims he was murdered by associates of the Duchess and Picentio and that the Duchess and Picentio should be put to death, but only after allowing the Hermit to be their confessor. Aspero orders Julio, disguised as Corbino, to bring the Duchess and Picentio to him, but Corbino reports that they are dead. The final message the Hermit conveys from the Duke is to deliver the Duke's signet and his authority to Aspero, who is the Duke's choice as successor. The Hermit also tells Isabella that the Duke willed her to marry Aspero. The Hermit refuses Aspero's offer of money, and Aspero promises to fulfill the Duke's will. A messenger delivers a letter to Aspero from the soldiers, which complains of lack of pay for two months as well as failure to deliver their share of the princes' ransom. Aspero, following the counsel of Cosmo and Gismond, promises to teach the soldiers to obey rather than command. He later enters with the Ambassadors, Cosmo, and Gismond to see Hortensio in his distraction. Hortensio, restored to sanity, apologizes to them and explains that Elinor has revealed her love, curing him. After the real Elinor enters, denies any feelings for Hortensio, and storms out, Aspero privately receives word from a Gentleman that Isabella is sick. He orders the Gentleman to send for a doctor and exits. He arrives, with Cosmo and Gismond, at Isabella's chamber and asks her how she feels. The French Doctor (Picentio in disguise) asks to speak with Isabella privately and Aspero exits, along with Cosmo and Gismond. Aspero enters with the Ambassadors and the Doctor to Cosmo, Gismond, Fernese, and Bentivoli and grows increasingly angered by the Lords' criticism of his tyranny. When Elinor enters, he and the Ambassadors turn their attention to pressing Hortensio's suit. After Elinor and Hortensio are reconciled, Aspero promises that their marriage will be celebrated together with his marriage to Isabella. The start of Aspero's next scene is missing from the manuscript. Aspero, in Isabella's chamber, encounters Picentio, playing the role of his ghost. Isabella insists that he is only imagining and tells him to think of their marriage instead. Picentio, disguised as the French Doctor, enters and tells Aspero that Isabella's sickness is due to her love for him. Aspero exits to prepare for the wedding. He later enters with the court for his coronation and marriage to Isabella. Aspero notes the sadness in the faces of the lords and demands that their concerns about his tyranny be cleared before he assumes the throne. To do this, he promises with the help of the French Doctor, to raise the spirits of the Duke, Duchess, Picentio, Julio, the Captain, Lieutenant, and Ancient, who will then say whether Aspero was responsible for their deaths. The ghosts of the Duke, Duchess, Julio, Captain, Lieutenant and Ancient appear and are commanded by the French Doctor to show their approval or disapproval of Aspero. The ghosts indicate their favor and Aspero then accepts the apologies of the lords and pardons them. The ghosts perform a dance, in which the Duke and Duchess take the crown and scepter. Aspero asks what this means and discovers that his treachery has been revealed. Julio explains to Aspero that he was disguised as the slave Corbino and did not murder Victoria and Picentio as he was ordered. The Duke punishes Aspero by making him Julio's slave, but when Julio begs that this sentence be revoked, the Duke orders that Aspero lose his title and freedom permanently.

BARBER
Trims the disguised Duke's hair so that he can impersonate the Duke, according to the Captain's plan.

BENTIVOLI
The telltale; Lord of Florence and brother of Fernese. Enters with the court party and the Venetian princes for the Valentine game and enters the mock dispute between Garrullo and Hortensio, accusing Hortensio of cowardice by means of an Aesopian fable. When the Duke intervenes and asks Bentivoli to stop goading Hortensio, Bentivoli tells another fable, in which he implies that he would rather retain his freedom to criticize others than to surrender it for the comforts of court life. He then agrees to a duel with Hortensio the following morning. Later, after Cancko's account of Bentivoli's victory in the duel, Bentivoli enters to Elinor and Garullo with two weapons. He denies Elinor's claim that he entered the duel on account of her beauty, stating instead that his concern was for Garullo's reputation. When Garullo takes offense at this, Bentivoli calls him a coward and exits, after telling a tale of cowardly betrayal. Bentivoli joins Aspero and the court as they greet the Ambassadors, and criticizes Elinor for keeping a fool (the disguised Garullo). He witnesses the entry of the distracted Hortensio and then the arrival of the Duke, disguised as a hermit. He listens to the hermit bring news of the Duke's death, supposedly murdered by associates of the Duchess and Picentio and hears the dead Duke's order that the Duchess and Picentio should be put to death, but only after allowing the hermit to be their confessor. Aspero orders Julio, disguised as Corbino, to bring the Duchess and Picentio to him, but Corbino reports that they are dead. The final message the hermit conveys from the Duke is to deliver the Duke's signet and his authority to Aspero, who is the Duke's choice as successor. The hermit also tells Isabella that the Duke willed her to marry Aspero. The hermit refuses Aspero's offer of money, and Aspero promises to fulfill the Duke's will. Later, after Aspero assumes control, Bentivoli discusses with Gismond, Fernese, and Cosmo how to deal with Aspero's growing tyranny. He tells a fable of the mice and the rats and their attempt to bell the cat: the Lords understand that, since they cannot eliminate Aspero, they must "bell" him by providing counsel. The problem remains who will bell the cat. As they discuss this problem, Aspero enters with the Ambassadors and the Doctor. The Lords each begin to present their dissatisfaction to Aspero, who grows increasingly angry. They are interrupted by Elinor's entry. Bentivoli delivers a letter from Garullo to Elinor and watches with satisfaction her distress as she learns of Garullo's marriage to Lesbia; he then observes her reconciliation with Hortensio. At the end of the scene, after Aspero exits, the Lords note that the cat must still be belled. The start of Bentivoli's next scene is missing from the manuscript. After Cosmo, Gismond, and Fernese have revealed the Duke's plan to use force against Aspero to Isabella and Picentio, Bentivoli enters, is informed of the news, and then tells a fable, to show their need to rely on themselves alone against Aspero. He joins Fernese as he visits Garullo and Lesbia, held captive on Elinor's order, and mocks Garullo's melancholy humor. After Garullo dirnks the supposedly poisoned cup of wine and exits, Bentivoli orders that he be preserved and brought to court for Elinor's amusement. Bentivoli enters with the court for Aspero's coronation and marriage to Isabella. Aspero notes the dissatisfaction of the nobles and and demands that their concerns about his tyranny be cleared before he assumes the throne. The nobles react favorably to Aspero's promise to prove his innocence by having the French Doctor raise the spirits of the Duke, Duchess, Picentio, Julio, the Captain, Lieutenant, and Ancient, who will then say whether Aspero was responsible for their deaths. The nobles observe as the ghosts of the Duke, Duchess, Julio, Captain, Lieutenant and Ancient appear and are commanded by the French Doctor to show their approval or disapproval of Aspero. The ghosts indicate their favor and the nobles ask Aspero to pardon them. The nobles observe as the ghosts perform a dance, in which the Duke and Duchess take the crown and scepter. After the Duke is restored to power, Bentivoli tells a fable about a lion transferring his authority to an ass, mirroring the careers of the Duke and Aspero. Bentivoli reads the list of things purged by Garullo and exits with the court to celebrate the weddings of Picentio and Isabella and Hortenio and Elinor.

BORGIAS
A Venetian prince and brother of Hortensio, captured by the Duke of Florence's forces. Enters to the Duke with the court party and partakes in the Valentine's game. He later joins Aspero, the lords, Elinor, Garullo disguised as a fool, Isabella, Lesbia, and the Ambassadors. The Ambassadors greet him warmly, and Borgias explains to them as well as Aspero and the court that his brother has become distracted with melancholy over the combined loss to Bentivoli in their duel and Elinor's preference for the foppish Garullo rather than him. After Aspero orders the two Doctors to care for Hortensio, Hortensio himself enters and distractedly talks at length about fighting against the Turk. Borgias later enters with Hortensio and witnesses the recovery of his sanity by means of the false Elinor's profession of love, and then the real Elinor's denial of affection. At the end of the play, Borgias enters with the court for Aspero's coronation and marriage to Isabella. Aspero notes the dissatisfaction of the nobles and and demands that their concerns about his tyranny be cleared before he assumes the throne. The nobles react favorably to Aspero's promise to prove his innocence by having the French Doctor raise the spirits of the Duke, Duchess, Picentio, Julio, the Captain, Lieutenant, and Ancient, who will then say whether Aspero was responsible for their deaths. The court observes as the ghosts of the Duke, Duchess, Julio, Captain, Lieutenant and Ancient appear and are commanded by the French Doctor to show their approval or disapproval of Aspero. The ghosts indicate their favor and the nobles ask Aspero to pardon them. The court observes as the ghosts perform a dance, in which the Duke and Duchess take the crown and scepter. After the Duke is restored to power, Borgias joins the court as they listen to Bentivoli's fable and witness the arrival of the purged Garullo, and then he exits with the court to celebrate Hortensio's wedding to Elinor as well as the wedding of Picentio and Isabella.

BOY
Disguised as Elinor, the Boy along with the Doctor work to cure Hortensio's lunacy. The Boy reassures Hortensio that (as Elinor) she loves him and attributes his defeat by Bentivoli to fortune rather than his valour. She seals her love with a kiss and exits.

CANCKO
Clown and servant to Bentivoli. Enters to Elinor, Garullo and Fernese and reports on Bentivoli's defeat of Hortensio in the duel. After Garullo threatens to leave for his country home to avoid Bentivoli's anger, Canko takes up Gismond's suggestion that Garullo disguise himself and suggests that Garullo disguise himself as a fool in order to continue to have access to Elinor. He later visits Garullo and Lesbia, held prisoner on the order of Elinor, and joins the discussion of Garullo's melancholy. He witnesses Garullo drink the cup of supposedly poisoned wine.

CAPTAIN
Officer in the Florentine army. Enters with the Lieutenant and the Ancient to Aspero complaining about his withholding of their pay and their rewards for the capture of the Venetian princes. When they threaten to complain to the Duke, Aspero gives them gold to share amongst themselves and their soldiers, and promises to divide the Princes' ransom amongst them when it arrives. Later, in the military camp, the Captain discusses with the disguised Duke the soldiers' grievances with Aspero over lack of pay. He rejects the Duke's suggestion that they use their power to pillage the countryside, the city, and the court, insisting that their quarrel is only with Aspero. When two Soldiers enter with the disguised Julio and Duchess and argue over who will be able to use the Duchess as camp prostitute first, the Captain intervenes and insists that she work only as his cook and laundress. Later, he orders his Barber to trim the disguised Duke, who, for the Captain, bears a strong resemblance to the missing Duke. He hopes that his Duke will be able to impersonate the missing Duke and allow them to gain revenge on Aspero. When Victoria enters and recognizes the Duke, the Captain takes this as proof his plan will work. He listens as Victoria outlines how the Duke wronged her. The remainder of this scene is missing from the manuscript. At the end of the play, the Captain returns to court with the Duke, Duchess, Julio, Lieutenant, and Ancient, all impersonating their spirits. Picentio, disguised as the French Doctor, commands them to indicate their approval or disapproval of Aspero. After showing signs of approval the spirits perform a dance, during which the Duke takes the crown and the Duchess the scepter. They witness the Duke resume his authority, listen to Bentivoli's tale, witness the purged Garullo's return, and exit with the court to the weddings of Picentio and Isabella and Hortensio and Elinor.

CORBINO
Disguise adopted by Julio. Corbino is a slave to Aspero.

COSMO
Lord of Florence. Joins Aspero as he spies on Victoria and Picentio and then assists in their apprehension, expressing some regret at the Duchess' supposed guilt and giving Corbino some money to treat his prisoners kindly as they are taken away. He joins Aspero and the court to greet the Ambassadors, and meets Elinor's new fool, the disguised Garullo. He watches Hortensio's distracted ravings about fighting the Turk and then joins the court in greeting the Duke disguised as a hermit and questioning him about the manner of the Duke's death and the Duke's will. He later enters with the Ambassadors, Aspero and Gismond to see Hortensio in his distraction. Hortensio, restored to sanity, apologizes to them and explains that Elinor has revealed her love, curing him. After the real Elinor enters, denies any feelings for Hortensio, and storms out, Cosmo and Gismond exit. Cosmo and Gismond join Aspero in Isabella's chamber as he asks her how she feels. The French Doctor (Picentio in disguise) asks to speak with Isabella privately and Aspero exits, along with Cosmo and Gismond. Later, Cosmo discusses with Gismond, Fernese, and Bentivoli how to deal with Aspero's growing tyranny. Bentivoli tells a fable of the mice and the rats and their attempt to bell the cat: the Lords understand that, since they cannot eliminate Aspero, they must "bell" him by providing counsel. The problem remains who will bell the cat. As they discuss this problem, Aspero enters with the Ambassadors and the Doctor. The Lords each begin to present their dissatisfaction to Aspero, who grows increasingly angry. They are interrupted by Elinor's entry and observe her reaction to the news of Garullo's marriage to Lesbia and her reconciliation with Hortensio. At the end of the scene, after Aspero exits, the Lords note that the cat must still be belled. The start of Cosmo's next scene is missing from the manuscript. After Aspero exits Isabella's chamber to prepare for their wedding, Cosmo, Gismond, and Fernese enter and tell Isabella and Picentio (disguised as the French Doctor) that the Duke and Duchess are both alive and are gathering a force at Castle Angelo. Picentio removes his French Doctor disguise briefly to identify himself to them. Bentivoli enters and is informed of the news and then tells a fable, to show their need to rely on themselves alone against Aspero. Cosmo enters with the court for Aspero's coronation and marriage to Isabella. Aspero notes the dissatisfaction of the nobles and and demands that their concerns about his tyranny be cleared before he assumes the throne. The nobles react favorably to Aspero's promise to prove his innocence by having the French Doctor raise the spirits of the Duke, Duchess, Picentio, Julio, the Captain, Lieutenant, and Ancient, who will then say whether Aspero was responsible for their deaths. The nobles observe as the ghosts of the Duke, Duchess, Julio, Captain, Lieutenant and Ancient appear and are commanded by the French Doctor to show their approval or disapproval of Aspero. The ghosts indicate their favor and the nobles ask Aspero to pardon them. The nobles observe as the ghosts perform a dance, in which the Duke and Duchess take the crown and scepter. After the Duke is restored to power, they listen to Bentivoli's fable and witness the arrival of the purged Garullo, and then exit with the court to celebrate the weddings of Picentio and Isabella and Hortenio and Elinor.

DOCTOR
A Doctor is charged by Aspero with curing Hortensio of his melancholy, brought on by his loss in a duel with Bentivoli combined with Elinor's scorning of his affection. The Doctor disguises the Boy as Elinor in order to cure Hortensio's lunacy. After curing Hortensio, he exits with the Boy and returns after Hortensio has encountered the real Elinor, who has denied any affection for Hortensio. The Doctor explains that since Hortensio revealed her love in public, she had no choice but to scorn him. The Doctor reassures Hortensio and tells him not to show any public signs of affection to Elinor nor to expect any from her. He enters with Aspero and the Ambassadors to Cosmo, Gismond, Fernese and Bentivoli, and observes with Bentivoli Elinor's reaction to the news of Garullo's marriage to Lesbia. When Horentsio enters and initially scorns Elinor, the Doctor commends his performance. The Doctor questions the sincerity of Elinor's grief at Hortensio's scorn and notes that he could change Hortensio's attitude if he was certain of her affection for him. He then facilitates their reconciliation. At the end of the play, the Doctor brings in Garullo, sleeping in a chair, and assures the Duke and his court that Garullo has been purged of his humors.

DUKE of FLORENCE
Duke of Florence. Married to Victoria, the Duchess. Begins the play by expressing his jealousy towards his wife Victoria over her supposed affair with Picentio. When Fidelio brings him news of Aspero's capture of the Venetian princes Hortensio and Borgias and their desire to be ransomed, the Duke orders him to fortify his castle. After agreeing to ransom terms, the Duke welcomes Hortensio and Borgias (who enter with the court party) as royal friends and then invites them to join in the court's Valentine game: each woman has set her name on a jewel which also contains an emblem. The men each choose a jewel, interpret the emblem in relation to themselves, and become the servant of the woman named on the jewel. The Duke draws first and becomes the servant of Lesbia, Elinor's chambermaid. Later, as the dispute between Garrullo, Bentivoli and Hortensio escalates, the Duke intervenes and tells Bentivoli and Hortensio to become friends. Bentivoli replies with an Aesopian fable, which the Duke interprets to mean that Bentivoli would rather retain his freedom to criticize others than to surrender it for the comforts of court life. The Duke again tries to create harmony between Bentivoli and Hortensio, but when they agree to duel instead, the Duke turns his attention back to the revels. After Picentio chooses Victoria, the Duke ends the Valentine game. When Victoria asks if he is offended by the choice, he replies by appointing Picentio ruler in his absence, and refuses to explain to the court why he must suddenly depart. After the rest of the court leaves, the Duke speaks with Aspero, ordering him to spy on Victoria and Picentio, to catch them together, and to send them to trial and execution. He also provides Aspero with a warrant providing the Duke's authority for these actions, and tells him to keep the army ready in case Victoria and Picentio try to raise a faction. The Duke disguises himself as a hermit and returns to the court to bring news of the Duke's death. He gives Aspero a note from the Duke, which claims the Duke was murdered by associates of the Duchess and Picentio and that the Duchess and Picentio should be put to death, but only after allowing the Hermit to be their confessor. Aspero orders Julio, disguised as Corbino, to bring the Duchess and Picentio to him, but Corbino reports that they are dead. The final message the Hermit conveys from the Duke is to deliver the Duke's signet and his authority to Aspero, who is the Duke's choice as successor. The Hermit also tells Isabella that the Duke willed her to marry Aspero. The Hermit refuses Aspero's offer of money, and Aspero promises to fulfill the Duke's will. After leaving the court, the Duke meets Fidelio and reports the deaths of Picentio and the Duchess. He tells Fidelio his next job is to look into the soldiers' camp and ensure the soldiers do not threaten the state. Still disguised as a hermit, the Duke arrives in the military camp and questions the Captain, Lieutenant, and Ancient about their grievances. He suggests they use their power to pillage the countryside, the city, and the court, but they refuse, insisting that their quarrel is only with Aspero. When two Soldiers enter with the Julio, disguised as Corbino, and the disguised Duchess, the Duke notes the Captain's insistence that the Duchess be treated civilly and not hired out as camp prostitute. The Duke, alone, reflects on how the camp is a better model of justice and loyalty than his court. The Duke allows the Captain's Barber to trim him, as the Captain has noticed his resemblance to the missing Duke. After the Duke has been transformed, Victoria enters and recognizes him, and he asks her to make any complaints she may have against the Duke to him. Victoria blames the Duke for destroying her reputation and attempting to murder her. The remainder of this scene is missing from the manuscript. At the end of the play, the Duke returns to court with Victoria, Julio, the Captain, Lieutenant, and Ancient, all impersonating their spirits. Picentio, disguised as the French Doctor, commands them to indicate their approval or disapproval of Aspero. After showing signs of approval the spirits perform a dance, during which the Duke takes the crown and the Duchess the scepter. The Duke resumes his authority and as punishment condemns Aspero to work as Julio's slave. When Julio begs him to revoke the sentence, the Duke strips Aspero of his title and freedom instead. The Duke then permits Bentivoli to tell his tale of the lion and the ass and witnesses the return of the purged Garullo. The Duke ends the play by renouncing his jealousy and leading the court to the weddings of Picentio and Isabella and Hortensio and Elinor.

ELINOR
Two characters use this name in the play:

Princess of Florence and the Duke's sister. Enters with the court party and the Venetian princes for the Valentine game and is chosen first by Hortensio and then by Garullo. Later, tells Garullo, because she loves him, not to start any more quarrels for her sake, then listens to Cancko's account of the duel between Hortensio and Bentivoli. When Bentivoli himself enters, Elinor criticizes him for dueling on account of her beauty and Bentivoli replies that the quarrel was for Garullo's reputation rather than her beauty. As Bentivoli tells a tale to Fernese, Gismond whispers to Elinor, telling her of Hortensio's despair at losing the duel and Elinor's love, as well as Borgias' vow to murder her for disgracing his brother. When she sees Garullo trembling with fear over his quarrel with Bentivoli and vowing to leave for his country home, Elinor tells him that his absence would kill her. She and Garullo accept Gismond's and Cancko's suggestion that Garullo disguise himself as a fool in order to have free access to Elinor; Elinor worries, however, that Garullo will not be able to hide his pompous use of language. Elinor joins Aspero and the court to welcome the Ambassadors, and is joined by Garullo, appearing in his fool's disguise. She introduces him to the court and then observes as the distracted Hortensio enters and then leaves. She expresses no remorse over Hortensio's state when asked by Aspero. She exits with Garullo. Later, she enters with Garullo, disguised as a fool, and is shocked to hear Hortensio claim that she professed affection for him and kissed him. She denies any affection and storms out with Garullo. She later enters to Aspero, the Ambassadors, Cosmo, Gismond, Fernese, Bentivoli and the Doctor and immediately faces renewal of Hortensio's suit by the Ambassadors and Aspero. Bentivoli enters with a letter that informs her of Garullo's marriage to Lesbia. Elinor is enraged at the betrayal and then confesses a love for Hortensio, who then enters and scorns her before exiting again. The Doctor questions her sincerity, which she affirms. Hortensio re-enters and proclaims his love and the two are reconciled. Aspero promises that their marriage will be celebrated together with his marriage to Isabella. At the end of the play she enters with Aspero and the court for Aspero's coronation and her enforced marriage, and happily witnesses the return of the Duke and Aspero's overthrow. She exits at the end of the play to marry Hortensio.
A disguise assumed by the Boy in order to cure Hortensio's lunacy.

FERNSESE
Lord of Florence and brother of Bentivoli. Enters with Elinor and Garullo, and comments sarcastically on Bentivoli intervening on behalf of a fool (Garullo). Fernese then listens to Cancko's account of Bentivoli's defeat of Hortensio in the duel, and then greets his brother when he enters. He listens to Bentivoli's tale of the two kinsmen, and, after Bentivoli's exit, tells Garullo of Bentivoli's anger towards him. He listens to Gismond's and Cancko's plan to disguise Garullo as a fool and vows to keep the plot a secret. Later, Fernese discusses with Gismond, Cosmo, and Bentivoli how to deal with Aspero's growing tyranny. Bentivoli tells a fable of the mice and the rats and their attempt to bell the cat: the Lords understand that, since they cannot eliminate Aspero, they must "bell" him by providing counsel. The problem remains who will bell the cat. As they discuss this problem, Aspero enters with the Ambassadors and the Doctor. The Lords each begin to present their dissatisfaction to Aspero, who grows increasingly angry. They are interrupted by Elinor's entry and observe her reaction to the news of Garullo's marriage to Lesbia and her reconciliation with Hortensio. At the end of the scene, after Aspero exits, the Lords note that the cat must still be belled. The start of Fernese's next scene is missing from the manuscript. After Aspero exits Isabella's chamber to prepare for their wedding, Cosmo, Gismond, and Fernese enter and tell Isabella and Picentio (disguised as the French Doctor) that the Duke and Duchess are both alive and are gathering a force at Castle Angelo. Picentio removes his French Doctor disguise briefly to identify himself to them. Bentivoli enters and is informed of the news and then tells a fable, to show their need to rely on themselves alone against Aspero. Fernese has the Porter bring him to Garullo and Lesbia, whom he holds prisoner. He questions Garullo about his melancholy and announces Bentivoli's arrival from court. Fernese and Bentivoli watch as Garullo drinks a glass of wine, which he afterwards claims was poisoned.

FIDELIO
Servant to the Duke of Florence. Brings news to the Duke of Aspero's capture of the Venetian princes Hortensio and Borgias and their desire to be ransomed and is ordered to fortify the Duke's castle. Meets the Duke after his disguised visit to the court. He hears the Duke report the deaths of Picentio and the Duchess and tell him that his next job is to look into the soldiers' camp and ensure the soldiers do not threaten the state. Fidelio promises to await his return.

GARULLO
Nephew of Fernese and Bentivoli; sometimes disguised as a fool. Enters with the court party and the Venetian princes for the Valentine game and chooses Elinor (after she has been chosen by Hortensio). Gets into a comic dispute with Hortensio over service to Elinor. Later, Elinor tells Garullo that because she loves him she does not want him to get into any further quarrels on her account. When Garullo comically boasts of his manliness, Elinor reminds him that Bentivoli took over his quarrel with Hortensio, which leads Garullo to dismiss Bentivoli as a swaggerer. After Cancko describes the duel between Bentivoli and Hortensio and Bentivoli himself enters, Garullo takes offence at Bentivoli's claim that he entered the duel to defend Garullo's reputation. Bentivoli departs after exchanging harsh words with Garullo, and Garullo then wishes to return to his country home in order to be safe. After Elinor refuses to allow him to leave, they both accept Gismond's and Cancko's suggestion that Garullo disguise himself as a fool in order to have free access to Elinor; Elinor worries, however, that Garullo will not be able to hide his pompous use of language. In his fool's disguise he joins Elinor, Aspero and the court as they greet the Ambassadors and observes the arrival of the distracted Hortensio. After Elinor exits, Garullo comically suggests to Aspero that he is aware of the murders of Picentio and Victoria, and exits himself. Later, he enters, still disguised, with Elinor and observes her deny any supposed affection for Hortensio, and then exits with her. After his marriage to Lesbia is revealed, Garullo is held prisoner with Lesbia on Elinor's orders. Garullo discusses his melancholy state with Lesbia and Cancko, and then with Fernese and Bentivoli when they join him. He refuses to reveal the cause of his melancholy and drinks a glass of wine, afterwards claiming it was poisoned. He bids them farewell and exits. At the end of the play, Garullo is brought in sleeping in a chair by the Doctor, who assures the Duke that Garullo has been purged of his humors. Garullo awakens and renounces his former foppish affectations. He joins the Duke and court as they exit to celebrate the weddings of Picentio and Isabella and Hortenio and Elinor.

GENTLEMAN
Enters with the court party and the Venetian princes for the Valentine game and administers the game by describing the emblems and reading the names on the gems.

GHOSTS
Several characters disguise themselves as their own ghosts during the course of the play. Picentio initially disguises himself as a French Doctor. In disguise, Picentio examines Isabella's urine as she is visited by Aspero. Picentio asks to speak privately with Isabella and, after Aspero and the lords exit, he tells her that she is not sick but instead is in love with Picentio. As the French Doctor he tells her that Picentio is dead but that he can make his ghost appear. Picentio exits and returns as his ghost. He confirms his love for Isabella and tells her that he died in prison, strangled by Aspero's order. Also, the "ghosts" of the Duke, Duchess, Julio, Captain, Lieutenant and Ancient appear and are commanded by the French Doctor to show their approval or disapproval of Aspero. The ghosts indicate their favor and Aspero then accepts the apologies of the lords and pardons them. The ghosts perform a dance, in which the Duke and Duchess take the crown and scepter. Aspero asks what this means and discovers that his treachery has been revealed.

GISMOND
Lord of Florence. Hides with Aspero and Cosmo to witness exchange between Victoria and Picentio, and then confronts the couple as Aspero presents the Duke's warrant for their deaths and then agrees to give them a public trial instead. Later, enters to Elinor and whispers to her about Hortensio's reaction to his loss in the duel against Bentivoli and tells her that Borgias has vowed to kill her to avenge his brother's disgrace. When Garullo threatens to hide in his country home, Gismond suggests that Garullo disguise himself and continue to live in court. Later, Gismond joins the court party to greet the Venetian ambassadors. After listening to Garullo, disguised as a fool, and the distracted Hortensio, Gismond questions the Duke, disguised as a Hermit, about the manner of the Duke's death and the Duke's will. When Aspero receives the letter from the soldiers, Gismond complains about the abuses caused by the standing force of soldiers and recommends that they not be given the money they demand. Later, Gismond enters with the Ambassadors, Aspero and Cosmo to see Hortensio in his distraction. Hortensio, restored to sanity, apologizes to them and explains that Elinor has revealed her love, curing him. After the real Elinor enters, denies any feelings for Hortensio, and storms out, Cosmo and Gismond exit. Cosmo and Gismond join Aspero in Isabella's chamber as he asks her how she feels. The French Doctor (Picentio in disguise) asks to speak with Isabella privately and Aspero exits, along with Cosmo and Gismond. Later, Gismond discusses with Cosmo, Fernese, and Bentivoli how to deal with Aspero's growing tyranny. Bentivoli tells a fable of the mice and the rats and their attempt to bell the cat: the Lords understand that, since they cannot eliminate Aspero, they must "bell" him by providing counsel. The problem remains who will bell the cat. As they discuss this problem, Aspero enters with the Ambassadors and the Doctor. The Lords each begin to present their dissatisfaction to Aspero, who grows increasingly angry. They are interrupted by Elinor's entry and observe her reaction to the news of Garullo's marriage to Lesbia and her reconciliation with Hortensio. At the end of the scene, after Aspero exits, the Lords note that the cat must still be belled. The start of Gismond's next scene is missing from the manuscript. After Aspero exits Isabella's chamber to prepare for their wedding, Cosmo, Gismond, and Fernese enter and tell Isabella and Picentio (disguised as the French Doctor) that the Duke and Duchess are both alive and are gathering a force at Castle Angelo. Picentio removes his French Doctor disguise briefly to identify himself to them. Bentivoli enters and is informed of the news and then tells a fable, to show their need to rely on themselves alone against Aspero. Gismond enters with the court for Aspero's coronation and marriage to Isabella. Aspero notes the dissatisfaction of the nobles and and demands that their concerns about his tyranny be cleared before he assumes the throne. The nobles react favorably to Aspero's promise to prove his innocence by having the French Doctor raise the spirits of the Duke, Duchess, Picentio, Julio, the Captain, Lieutenant, and Ancient, who will then say whether Aspero was responsible for their deaths. The nobles observe as the ghosts of the Duke, Duchess, Julio, Captain, Lieutenant and Ancient appear and are commanded by the French Doctor to show their approval or disapproval of Aspero. The ghosts indicate their favor and the nobles ask Aspero to pardon them. The nobles observe as the ghosts perform a dance, in which the Duke and Duchess take the crown and scepter. After the Duke is restored to power, they listen to Bentivoli's fable and witness the arrival of the purged Garullo, and then exit with the court to celebrate the weddings of Picentio and Isabella and Hortenio and Elinor.

HORTENSIO
A Venetian prince and brother of Borgias, captured by the Duke of Florence's forces. Enters to the Duke with the court party and partakes in the Valentine's game. He chooses Elinor, the Duke's sister. After Elinor is also chosen by Garrullo, Hortensio gets into a comic dispute with Garrullo over service to her. Bentivoli takes up the dispute and accuses Hortensio of cowardice. Despite the Duke's intervention, Hortensio and Bentivoli end up agreeing to a duel the next morning. Hortensio loses the duel with Bentivoli and becomes melancholy at the loss combined with Elinor's claim that she does not love him but rather the foppish Garullo. In his distracted state he enters to Aspero, the lords, Elinor, Garullo disguised as a fool, Isabella, Lesbia, the Ambassador and the Doctors. He talks at length about fighting the Turk and also identifies Garullo despite his disguise. He then exits seeking the imaginary Turkish forces he vows to fight. He later enters with Borgias to the Boy disguised as Elinor and the Doctor. As the false Elinor begins to proclaim her love for Hortensio, his madness gradually dissolves. After she kisses him and exits, Horentsio vows to banish his lunacy permanently. The Ambassadors, Aspero, Cosmo, and Gismond enter to him and he apologizes for his earlier behavior. He tells Aspero how Elinor favored him just as the real Elinor along with Garullo disguised as a fool enter. When Hortensio reminds her of the favor she showed him a moment earlier, she denies his claims and storms out. The Doctor enters to the distracted Hortensio and tells him that by publicly revealing Elinor's love for him he left her no option but to scorn him. Hortensio promises the Doctor that he will not show any public signs of affection for Elinor. Later, he encounters Elinor and scorns her, just after she has confessed her love for him. The Doctor commends Hortensio for his performance and then, after assuring himself of Elinor's sincerity, facilitates their reconciliation. At the end of the play, Hortensio enters with the court for Aspero's coronation and marriage to Isabella. Aspero notes the dissatisfaction of the nobles and and demands that their concerns about his tyranny be cleared before he assumes the throne. The nobles react favorably to Aspero's promise to prove his innocence by having the French Doctor raise the spirits of the Duke, Duchess, Picentio, Julio, the Captain, Lieutenant, and Ancient, who will then say whether Aspero was responsible for their deaths. The court observes as the ghosts of the Duke, Duchess, Julio, Captain, Lieutenant and Ancient appear and are commanded by the French Doctor to show their approval or disapproval of Aspero. The ghosts indicate their favor and the nobles ask Aspero to pardon them. The court observes as the ghosts perform a dance, in which the Duke and Duchess take the crown and scepter. After the Duke is restored to power, Hortensio joins the court as they listen to Bentivoli's fable and witness the arrival of the purged Garullo, and then he exits with the court to celebrate his wedding to Elinor as well as the wedding of Picentio and Isabella.

ISABELLA
Niece of the Duke of Florence. Enters to the Duke with the court party. Later, laments Picentio's imprisonment to Lesbia, and wonders if the Duchess took advantage of the favors Isabella sent with her to Picentio to advance the Duchess' own love for Picentio. Lesbia informs Isabella that they have been summoned to court to greet the Venetian ambassadors. Isabella joins Aspero and the court to greet the Ambassadors and witnesses Hortensio's distracted ravings about the Turk as well as the arrival of the Duke disguised as a hermit. She hears from the hermit that the Duke was murdered by associates of the Duchess and Picentio, and that before he died, the Duke willed that Aspero assume authority and that Isabella marry Aspero. Isabella pretends to be pleased. Later, feigning sickness, Isabella is visited by Aspero, along with Cosmo and Gismond, who inquires after her health. The French Doctor (Picentio in disguise) asks to speak with her privately and, after the others exit, tells her that she is not sick but instead is in love with Picentio. Isabella admits that she is not in fact sick and that she is trying to avoid her forced marriage to Aspero. When the French Doctor confirms Isabella's fear that Picentio is dead, she asks him for poison; he offers instead to fetch the ghost of Picentio for her. When Picentio returns as his ghost she asks him if in life he loved her and who killed him; Picentio confirms his love and tells her he was strangled in prison at Aspero's command. As she moves to embrace him he backs away and exits. The French Doctor then returns and promises Isabella a potion that will make Aspero hate her. The start of Isabella's next scene is missing from the manuscript. Aspero, in Isabella's chamber, encounters Picentio, playing the role of his ghost. Isabella insists that he is only imagining and tells him to think of their marriage instead. After Aspero exits, Cosmo, Gismond, and Fernese enter and Isabella asks them for news. They tell her the Duke and Duchess are both alive and are gathering a force at Castle Angelo. Picentio removes his French Doctor disguise briefly to identify himself to them. Bentivoli enters and is informed of the news and then tells a fable, to show their need to rely on themselves alone against Aspero.

JULIO
Victoria's brother; sometimes disguised as Corbino, slave to Aspero. Enters as Corbino after Aspero, Cosmo, and Gismond arrest Victoria and Picentio with the Duke's warrant. Aspero orders him to lock up Victoria and Picentio and allow no visitors other than Aspero. Corbino is called by Aspero and offered money and his freedom if he murders Victoria and Picentio. He agrees to the offer and exits with Aspero to plan the deed. He helps Picentio and the Duchess escape prison and secretly conveys the Duchess to Fidelio in Castle Angelo. Julio disguises the Duchess's identity by darkening her face with umber. Julio and the Duchess are both captured and brought to the military camp by two Soldiers. Julio resists both Soldiers' attempts to offer him money to hire the Duchess as camp prostitute. At the end of the play, Julio returns to court with the Duke, Duchess, the Captain, Lieutenant, and Ancient, all impersonating their spirits. Picentio, disguised as the French Doctor, commands them to indicate their approval or disapproval of Aspero. After showing signs of approval the spirits perform a dance, during which the Duke takes the crown and the Duchess the scepter. The Duke resumes his authority and Julio pulls off his disguise as the slave Corbino. As punishment, the Duke condemns Aspero to work as Julio's slave. Julio, however, does not want to taint his mind with Aspero's continued presence and begs the Duke to revoke his sentence. The Duke strips Aspero of his title and freedom instead. Julio listens to Bentivoli's tale, witnesses the purged Garullo's return, and exits with the court to the weddings of Picentio and Isabella and Hortensio and Elinor.

LESBIA
Chambermaid to Elinor. Enters with the court party for the Valentine game and is chosen by the Duke. Later, listens to Isabella's lament over the imprisonment of Picentio and informs Isabella that they have been summoned to court to greet the Venetian ambassadors. At court she joins the court party in greeting the Ambassadors and witnesses Garullo's arrival disguised as a fool as well as the arrival of the distracted Hortensio. She secretly marries Garullo. After her marriage to Garullo is revealed, she is held prisoner with Garullo on Elinor's orders. Lesbia discusses Garullo's melancholy state with him as well as Cancko; they are joined by Fernese and Bentivoli. She pleads with him to be merry, and grieves after he drinks a cup of supposedly poisoned wine.

LIEUTENANT
Officer in the Florentine army. Enters with the Captain and the Ancient to Aspero complaining about his withholding of their pay and their rewards for the capture of the Venetian princes. When they threaten to complain to the Duke, Aspero gives them gold to share amongst themselves and their soldiers, and promises to divide the Princes' ransom amongst them when it arrives. Later, he joins the Captain in his discussion with the disguised Duke regarding their grievance with Aspero over lack of pay. The Lieutenant and Ancient observe the Captain's transformation of the disguised Duke into the supposedly missing Duke, as well as Victoria's reaction when she sees the trimmed and costumed Duke. The remainder of this scene is missing from the manuscript. At the end of the play, the Lieutenant returns to court with the Duke, Duchess, Julio, the Captain, and Ancient, all impersonating their spirits. Picentio, disguised as the French Doctor, commands them to indicate their approval or disapproval of Aspero. After showing signs of approval the spirits perform a dance, during which the Duke takes the crown and the Duchess the scepter. They witness the Duke resume his authority, listen to Bentivoli's tale, witness the purged Garullo's return, and exit with the court to the weddings of Picentio and Isabella and Hortensio and Elinor.

PICENTIO
A Florentine courtier. Suspected by the Duke of being Victoria's lover. Enters with the court party and the Venetian princes for the Valentine game and chooses Victoria. The Duke announces that he must quickly leave the court and appoints Picentio to rule in his absence. Later, Picentio meets privately with Victoria, who reveals that the gem he chose in the Valentine game was not hers but belonged to Isabella instead. Victoria also tells him that Isabella loves him while she does not. Picentio then whispers a message for Isabella to Victoria and also gives her a ring (this exchange is secretly observed by Aspero, Gismond, and Cosmo). When Aspero, Gismond, and Cosmo confront Picentio and Victoria with the Duke's warrant, Picentio proclaims his innocence and his loyalty. He also explains to Aspero that his conference with Victoria and the ring he gave her were for Isabella rather than Victoria herself. Picentio agrees to Aspero's suggestion of a public trial and, along with Victoria, is taken into custody by Julio, disguised as the slave Corbino. After escaping with Julio's assistance, Picentio disguises himself as a French Doctor. In disguise, Picentio examines Isabella's urine as she is visited by Aspero. Picentio asks to speak privately with Isabella and, after Aspero and the lords exit, he tells her that she is not sick but instead is in love with Picentio. As the French Doctor he tells her that Picentio is dead but that he can make his ghost appear. Picentio exits and returns as his ghost. He confirms his love for Isabella and tells her that he died in prison, strangled by Aspero's order. He exits and returns again as the French Doctor. He tells Isabella to return to her chamber and continue her feigned illness while he prepares a potion that will make Aspero hate her. The start of Picentio's next scene is missing. When Aspero visits Isabella in her chamber, Picentio appears as his ghost, frightening Aspero while Isabella claims not to see him. He exits and returns as the French Doctor, telling Aspero that Isabella is sick with love for him and that Aspero should begin to prepare for their wedding. After Aspero exits and Cosmo, Gismond, and Fernese enter, Picentio hears that the Duke and Duchess are both alive and are gathering a force at Castle Angelo. Picentio removes his French Doctor disguise briefly to identify himself to them. Bentivoli enters and is informed of the news and then tells a fable, to show their need to rely on themselves alone against Aspero. Disguised as the French Doctor, Picentio enters with Aspero, Isabella and the court for Aspero's coronation and marriage to Isabella. After Aspero promises to prove his innocence in relation to the charges of tyranny, Picentio causes the spirits of the Duke, Duchess, Julio, Captain, Lieutenant and Ancient to appear, and orders them to indicate their approval or disapproval of Aspero. When Bentivoli asks him why the ghost of Picentio did not appear, he replies that Picentio must not be dead. Picentio tells Aspero that the ghosts wish to perform a dance before they depart. When Aspero asks what the seizure of the crown and scepter mean, Picentio, dropping the French Doctor disguise, indicates that Aspero's treachery has been exposed. Picentio listens to Bentivoli's fable and witnesses the arrival of the purged Garullo. He exits with the court to celebrate his wedding to Isabella along with Elinor's marriage to Hortensio.

PORTER
Brings Fernese to observe Garullo and Lesbia, whom he holds prisoner.

SOLDIERS
Two soldiers enter with the disguised Julio and Duchess to the Captain, Lieutenant, Ancient, and disguised Duke, arguing over who will have first use of the Duchess as camp prostitute. Their scheme is overturned by the Captain, who insists that the Duchess be treated civilly and that she work as his cook and laundress.

TONY
Name given by Elinor to Garullo when he is disguised as a fool. (n.b. The name "Tony" for a fool was popular at least since the time of Middleton & Rowley's The Changeling and was perhaps initiated or at least popularized by that work.)

VICTORIA
Duchess of Florence. Enters to the Duke with the court party and the Venetian princes, and explains the Valentine game; she is chosen by Picentio (her suspected lover), after which the Duke halts the game. Victoria asks the Duke if he is offended at Picentio's choice and when he tells her that he will favor Picentio by leaving him in charge of the state, she tries to discover why the Duke must suddenly leave. Later, Picentio meets privately with Victoria, who tells him that the gem he chose was not hers but belonged to Isabella instead. Victoria also tells him that Isabella loves him while she does not. Picentio then whispers a message for Isabella to Victoria and also gives her a ring (this exchange is secretly observed by Aspero, Gismond, and Cosmo). When Aspero, Gismond, and Cosmo step forward to arrest them, Victoria scolds them for their impudence and denies any improper relationship between herself and Picentio. She denies the charge of treason against her and Picentio in the Duke's warrant and agrees to Aspero's suggestion of a public trial. Victoria and Picentio exit in the custody of Julio, disguised as Corbino, to be held as prisoners until their trial. With Julio's assistance the Duchess escapes confinement and travels to Fidelio in Castle Angelo. Julio disguises the Duchess's identity by darkening her face with umber. Julio and the Duchess are both captured and brought to the military camp by two Soldiers. Julio resists both Soldiers' attempts to offer him money to hire the Duchess as camp prostitute. She accepts the Captain's offer that she work as his cook and laundress. She later enters after the disguised Duke has been trimmed and costumed and recognizes him. He asks her to make any complaints she may have against the Duke to him. Victoria blames the Duke for destroying her reputation and attempting to murder her. The remainder of this scene is missing from the manuscript. At the end of the play, the Duchess returns to court with the Duke, Julio, the Captain, Lieutenant, and Ancient, all impersonating their spirits. Picentio, disguised as the French Doctor, commands them to indicate their approval or disapproval of Aspero. After showing signs of approval the spirits perform a dance, during which the Duke takes the crown and the Duchess the scepter. They witness the Duke resume his authority, listen to Bentivoli's tale, witness the purged Garullo's return, and exit with the court to the weddings of Picentio and Isabella and Hortensio and Elinor.

Go Back to Top