I.i: Vitelli, a young gentleman, asks his two friends Anastro, an honest gentleman, and Lamorall, a fighting gallant, where his enemy, Don Alvarez might be. News has come that the king has pardoned Alverez for an unknown crime. Vitelli states that this pardon does not excuse Alvarez for the injury done to his honor. He vows revenge and requests that Lamorall and Anastro be his confidants in this matter.

I.ii: Bobadilla, a witty knave and servant to Eugenia (the wife of Don Alvarez)is attending Lucio, who has been raised as a woman complete with feminine clothes and manners. No reason is given for this extraordinary gender experiment. Bobadilla mocks Lucio for allowing his mother to reinvent him as a woman. Eugenia enters with the news that Alvarez is to return. Lucio is now expected to wear male attire, a suggestion that fills him with unease.

I.iii: Alvarez enters with Clara, his daughter, who is dressed in men's attire, pleading with her to forget her disguise as a man, and resume her life as a woman. Like Lucio, she has been reared in cross-gender attire and feels uneasy changing to her gender's attire. Clara promises to follow her father's wishes. Eugenia and Lucio enter. It is unclear whether Lucio is now in male or female attire. Just as Eugenia begins to tell her husband about recent events, the clashing of swords is heard outside. Bobadilla enters to tell the family that "Vitelli and his faction" are attempting to breach the house. Don Sayavedra, a friend to Alvarez, is fighting them off, but needs assistance. Alvarez reaches for his sword and calls for Clara, still in man's attire, to follow him out. He does not call upon Lucio, who is cowering with fear. Vitelli runs into the room, pursued by Alvarez and Sayavedra. Clara follows, beating Anastro. To the surprise of Alvarez and Sayavedra, Clara refuses to fight Vitelli. Instead she honors his valor. She shields Vitelli, entreating her father to let "a noble enemy" live. Vitelli is allowed to leave. Alvarez and Eugenia, for reasons unstated, switch children so that they may see who can first "Turn this man woman or this woman, man."

II.i: Mendoza, a patcher, and a Metaldi, a smith, join Pachieco, a cobbler, and his hungry servant Lazarillo. They are discussing the merits of each other's chosen professions when Vitelli enters with Alguazier, a dishonest constable. The men are astounded to see Alguazier and expound upon his various petty, criminal exploits. Alguazier is impressed that they know so much about him, and recruits the men for future plans.

II.ii: Lucio, no longer disguised as a woman, is now in man's attire. He enters to see Bobadilla. He is to instruct Lucio in male behavior because Lucio is still evidently feminine in his manner. Bobadilla suggests a match between Lucio and Vitelli, but to Bobadilla's disgust, Lucio is fearful of such an encounter. At this, Clara, no longer disguised as a man but now in woman's attire, enters. Both complain about their new gender roles. Complaints turn to mockeries, and then blows. Alarmed, Bobadilla enters with Alvarez, who notes that there is still much behavior modification needed. Bobadilla next leads in Vitelli, who wishes to reward the sibling who recently saved him when he attacked the household. He naturally assumes it was Lucio, as a young man shielded him from Alvarez. Upon finding that Lucio was disguised as a woman at the time in question, Vitelli is confused. Clara explains that it was she who intervened. Vitelli comments on Clara's beauty and finds himself falling in love. He asks her for a love token, but Clara, still uncomfortable in woman's attire, feels awkward giving Vitelli a feminine keepsake. Instead, she gives him her sword, which (for reasons that are not explained) she is still carrying. Vitelli is pleased and leaves.

III.i: Malroda, Vitelli's mistress, is speaking with Alguazier concerning her future. Recently, Don Piorato, who wishes to marry, has visited her. Alguazier agrees to advise her.

III.ii: Piorato, a swordsman, has been employed by Alvarez to teach Lucio how to fight. But Piorato only dwells on his love and affection for Malroda. He is disheartened by Don Vitelli's attentions, his rival for the lady. Bobadilla suggests that Vitelli might have switched his affections. There are love letters written by his lady, Clara, and intended for Vitelli. Alguazier meets Malroda, and tells her that Vitelli is now interested in Clara. Malroda, ever hopeful, believes that this is merely an elaborate trick to make her jealous. Piorato suggests that she discuss marriage with Vitelli, and see how interested he really is.

III.iii: Alguazier tells Vitelli that Piorato knows of his interest in Clara and is using it as a wedge to separate him from Malroda. Before more can be said, Malroda arrives with Piorato, who remains unnoticed. Malroda explains that she cannot see him anymore. She has learned of his love for another and does not want to be cast aside. She will end their relationship first. Vitelli feigns shock, does not deny his interest in Clara but, nonetheless, wants to continue seeing Malroda. He promises that he will visit her that night. Malroda does not argue, but vows she will win him yet. It is unclear whether Piorato hears her vow.

III.iv: Bobadilla returns Clara's letters to her with the news that Vitelli loves a "strumpet." There is no reason given for what seems like more upright behavior on Vitelli's part. Bobadilla and Clara seek Piorato, who might know more about this. Before finding him, Eugenia and Sayavedra enter. Eugenia and Alvarez have agreed that Sayavedra will marry Clara. But Sayavedra must still seek the approval of Clara. Clara, still broken-hearted from Vitelli's betrayal, is loath to accept Sayavedra. Sayavedra returns to tell Eugenia that he was not successful. Meanwhile, Piorato continues to school Lucio in sword fighting. Lucio is having a very difficult time with the lessons, much to the chagrin of his parents. Alvarez is now seriously concerned about having a proper heir. All leave except for Clara and Piorato. Piorato offers to take Clara with him to witness the unfaithful behavior of Vitelli. She readily accepts, and promises to don a disguise, presumably her old masculine attire.

III.v: Alguazier gives instructions to Pachieco, Mendoza, Metaldi, and Lazarillo that they are to wait outside a building and dispose of any "drunkards" or men wishing to disrupt the evening.

IV.i: Vitelli, Lamorall, Genevora (Vitelli's sister, who is attracted to the still feminine Lucio), Anastro, and two pages with lights enter. Genevora wishes to go with Vitelli, but he forbids it. He orders Anastro to stay with her and "do your mistress some acceptable service." It is unclear why he is going to Malroda's house with this group.

IV.ii: Malroda and her relationship counselor, Alguazier, await the arrival of Vitelli. Vitelli pays Alguazier to leave him alone with Malroda. He leaves as Piorato and Clara enter from above. Clara is not in disguise, although she said earlier that she would be. Again, the reasons for this change are not explained. Clara asks to be left alone to watch. Vitelli pursues Malroda. Clara watches as Vitelli promises his affections along with all of his jewels to Malroda. Malroda accepts. Vitelli is ecstatic. At this, Alguazier, Piorato, Pachieco, Metaldi, Mendoza, and Lazarillo enter, and Clara descends from above. Alguazier tells Piorato that he has a priest ready if he is ready to marry Malroda. Malroda agrees. The wedding party leaves a shocked Vitelli behind, who is now left alone with Clara. A fast talker, Vitelli explains that he was always in love with her, but thought that he could never have her. Clara, displaying a simple mindedness incongruous with her character, agrees.

IV.iii: Alguazier instructs Pachieco, Metaldi, Mendoza, and Lazarillo to "steal well tonight." Alvarez, Lucio, and Bobadilla enter. Lucio worries about the dark night and vacant streets. Alvarez and Bobadilla ignore him as they discuss Lucio's slow progress. Alvarez says there is only one way for Lucio to redeem himself and that is to "strike the next man" they meet, or, if a woman, to "take her away and use her like a man." With this, Lamorall, Genevora, Anastro, and the pages with lights enter. Lucio approaches Anastro, explaining that he must strike him now and take Genevora into private quarters for a while. Just as Anastro is responding, he spots Alvarez, his enemy, and attacks him. Lucio, feeling a son's duty, attacks Anastro. All the while, Pachieco, Metaldi, Mendoza, and Lazarillo comically pickpocket the brawlers. Genevora and Lucio leave together. Alguazier, the ringleader of these thieves, pretends to arrests the pickpockets, and takes the money as evidence. Left alone, the thieves share out their spoils.

IV.iv: Lucio begs Genevora for a kiss. After the kiss, both are surprised and intrigued: Lucio because "she is a woman" as his mother is, and Genevora because Lucio is such a "lovely man." Lamorall, who is in love with Genevora, enters, understandably upset. He leads Genevora away, leaving Lucio to ruminate upon his new feelings of masculinity.

V.i: Lamorall and Lucio decide to fight over Genevora. Lucio, fired with newfound masculinity, wins. Lamorall asks that Lucio take his life. Lucio explains that the loss of one sword fight does not strip a man of his honor. Vitelli enters with news that he is to duel with Alvarez and wishes Lamorall to be his second.

V.ii: Bobadilla gives Genevora letters from Clara before leaving. It is unclear whether these are the same letters that Vitelli wrote to Clara, and Clara is merely returning them through Genevora, his sister, or whether these are newly-written letters. Lucio enters proclaiming his love for Genevora, but she is still uncertain.

V.iii: The Assistant/Governor, Sayavedra, Anastro, herald, and attendants enter. The herald reads a statement explaining that in order to achieve peace in the empire, the two warring factions of the Alvarez and Vitelli families will be allowed to duel in a gentlemanly manner. With a flourish of drums, Alvarez, seconded by Lucio, and Vitelli, seconded by Lamorall, enter. Eugenia, Clara, and Genevora enter from above to watch. Each call out the name of the man they love. Clara begs Vitelli not to fight, but he has promised to avenge his family. (No specific crime to avenge is ever given.) Genevora attempts the same tactic with Lucio, but to no avail. Alvarez halts his wife before she can begin. Eugenia then calls for Bobadilla to enter with two swords and a pistol. She informs the men that for every blow rendered, Bobadilla will administer the same on the women. Alvarez calls a truce. The newly captured Alguazier, Pachieco, Metaldi, Mendoza, Lazarillo are led in. The thieves are sentenced to a whipping and an indefinite term in the galleys. Piorato enters with Malroda, and the Assistant/Governor wishes Piorato luck for having married a whore. Unperturbed, Piorato counters that "'tis better than to marry an honest woman / That may prove a whore." They all leave, happy with their newfound love.

Epilogue: The author will be happy if the play was enjoyed simply for its light-hearted and well-meaning nature.

Vitelli, a young gentleman, has a score to settle against Alvarez for some unspecified family affront. He frequents the company of a whore named Malroda, but then falls in love with Clara, the daughter of the Alvarez family. At one point, he unaccountably returns his love-letters to Clara in order to pursue Malroda. He even offers her marriage. But she refuses, and he returns his affections to Clara. In a final duel between himself and Alvarez, he refuses to listen to Clara, who wants him to stop fighting with Alverez, her father.

Lamorall, a fighting gallant and friend to Vitelli, falls in love with Vitelli's sister, Genevora. He fights Lucio over Genevora, but loses. At the end he serves as Vitelli's second in the duel but is not needed.

Anastro, an honest gentleman, serves as Vitelli's confidant, and friend to Lamorall.

Alvarez, a noble gentleman and father of Clara and Lucio, has raised Clara as a man, and his wife has raised Lucio as a woman. Upon the granting of a pardon for unspecified crimes, he returns, wanting to see his son and daughter transformed into their true genders. He has an ongoing feud with Vitelli and fights him twice. His daughter falls in love with Vitelli, and his son falls in love with Vitelli's sister, Genevora. At the end, Alverez calls off a duel with Vitelli, hoping for both families to make amends.

Sayavedra, a friend to Alvarez, he is chosen by Alvarez and Eugenia to be Clara's husband, but he is rejected.

Lucio, son to Alvarez, was raised by his mother to dress and act as a girl. When his father returns, he is forced to become a man again. At first he is a coward, and inept in swordplay. He then takes sword-fighting lessons from Piorato. Told by his father that he must beat the first man he sees or bed the next woman, he beats Anastro and then kisses Genevora. Before he can complete his conquest, Lamorall, who he will soon after defeat in a duel, takes her away. He proposes to Genevora, who is attracted to his feminine manners, and acts as his father's second in the final duel.

Alguazier, a dishonest constable, works with Pachieco, Metaldi, Mendoza, and Lazarillo to rob and steal. During a street brawl in which Metaldi, Mendoza, and Lazarillo pickpocket Alverez, Anastro, Lucio, Bobadilla, he pretends to arrest the thieves. He, in turn, is arrested and tried by the Assistant/Governor, who sentences him to a whipping and an unspecified term in the galleys.

Pachieco, a cobbler, Mendoza, a patcher, Metaldi, a smith, and Lazarillo, a hungry servant, all work together to help Alguazier steal. The Assistant/Governor sentences them to a whipping and an unspecified term in the galleys.

Bobadilla, a witty knave and servant to the Alvarez family, mocks Lucio for his feminine behavior. He delivers letters for both Clara and Vitelli, and serves as a confidant to Alvarez and servant to Eugenia. Just before the duel between Alverez and Vitelli, Eugenia calls for Bobadilla to enter with two swords and a pistol. She informs the men that for every blow rendered, Bobadilla will administer the same on the women. This forces Alvarez to call a truce.

Eugenia, a virtuous lady and wife to Alvarez, has raised her son Lucio as a woman. She fails in her attempt to marry her daughter to Sayavedra. In the end, she forces her husband to stop the duel by promising to endanger her life as well as that of Clara's and Genevora's. Just before the duel between Alverez and Vitelli, Eugenia calls for Bobadilla to enter with two swords and a pistol. She informs the men that, for every blow rendered, Bobadilla will administer the same on the women.

Clara, daughter to Eugenia and Alvarez, is valiant and chaste. She is the martial maid of the alternate title. Raised by her father to dress and act like a man, she negotiates the release of her father and protects Vitelli when he breaks into her house. Forced to act as a female, she is uncomfortable giving Vitelli any feminine love-tokens. Instead, she gives him her sword. She accompanies Piorato, and witnesses first hand Vitelli's courting of Malroda. But she takes him as her husband anyway. Willing, as are Eugenia and Genevora, to be shot and stabbed, she is instrumental in stopping the duel between Alverez and Vitelli.

Genevora, sister to Vitelli, is first pursued by Lamorall. Upon orders from his father, Lucio follows Genevora and begs a kiss. Before things can progress, Lamorall drags her off. She is attracted to Lucio's feminine behavior. Willing, as are Eugenia and Clara, to be shot and stabbed, she is instrumental in stopping the duel between Alverez and Vitelli.

Malroda, a mistress of Vitelli, learns that Vitelli has switched his affections for Clara. She cannot believe that this is so. But when proof comes, she decides to toy with Vitelli's affections. When he promises to be faithful to her and hands over his jewels, she abandons him for Piorato. Everyone except Vitelli and Piorato considers her a worthless whore.

Piorato, a swordsman, teaches Lucio how to fight. He is in love with Malroda, who seems to be playing him false with Vitelli. He brings Clara to a secret vantage to watch Vitelli seduce Malroda in the hopes that Clara can pry Vitelli's attentions away from Malroda. In the end, Malroda prefers Piorato, but the Assistant/Governor suggests that Piorato will need all the luck he can get for having married a whore. Unperturbed, Piorato counters that "'tis better than to marry an honest woman / That may prove a whore."

Herald, Officer, Women, Servants, and Pages.