Ambition, along with Tyranny and Pride, is one of the invading Spanish lords. He calls himself 'Honor.' His shield bears the image of "a black horse salient, with one hinder foot upon the globe of the Earth, one forefoot stretching towards the clouds." He hopes to claim Love for his prize. When the lords of London attack, the Spaniards "suddenly depart." The lords of London hang up their shields and hide to see what the Spaniards do. The Spaniards return and "flourish their rapiers" but do not dare to touch the shields. They then hang up their own shields, whereupon the lords of London retrieve their shields and batter those of the Spaniards. The Spaniards "do suddenly slip away and come no more."
ANGELS
Non-speaking roles. Two Angels "with bright rapiers in their hands" accompany London when she speaks the Preface to the play.
BOYS
In the parade during the marriage of the lords and ladies, boys wearing blue gowns carry the lances and shields of Policy, Pomp and Pleasure. In the second parade, they bear torches instead of the shields. It is not clear why this duty is performed by unnamed boys, rather than by the pages, Wit, Will and Wealth.
CONSCIENCE
Conscience, Love and Lucre have been in prison since the end of The Three Ladies of London. Various men have petitioned for the release of Love and Lucre, but no one has ever petitioned for the release of Conscience. Nemo releases the ladies on the request of the three lords of London. They are released from prison by Sorrow, who places them, veiled, on three stones, upon which they lament. Conscience's stone is marked 'Remorse' in brazen letters. There, the spots and deformities of the ladies disappear, symbolizing their moral rebirth. They refuse to be cajoled into accepting Fraud, Dissimulation, Usury and Simony into their service. Nemo then leads in the three lords who are awed by the beauty of the ladies. Conscience is brought new clothes by Sincerity. Unfortunately, all three lords prefer Lucre, so Nemo tricks them by bringing in Conscience, dressed "all in white" and telling them that she is Lucre. Nemo asks 'Lucre' to choose her favorite lord and she chooses Pleasure, who accepts her before learning who she really is. Pleasure is content despite having been gulled, and in the final scene Pleasure and Conscience are married alongside the other lords and ladies.
CONSTABLE
A constable orders Simplicity and his neighbors to keep the peace and lay down their weapons.
DELIGHT
Delight, along with Desire and Devotion, is one of the three lords of Lincoln who contest the lords of London for the hands of the three ladies of London. Delight hopes to woo Love. The lords of London inform them that they may not have the ladies, and must be content with the stones that the ladies stood on. So Delight leaves, carrying the stone of Charity.
DESIRE
Desire, along with Delight and Devotion, is one of the three lords of Lincoln who contest the lords of London for the hands of the three ladies of London. Desire hopes to woo Lucre. The lords of London inform them that they may not have the ladies, and must be content with the stones that the ladies stood on. So Desire leaves, carrying the stone of Care.
DEVOTION
Devotion, along with Delight and Desire, is one of the three lords of Lincoln who contest the lords of London for the hands of the three ladies of London. Devotion hopes to woo Conscience. The lords of London inform them that they may not have the ladies, and must be content with the stones that the ladies stood on. So Devotion leaves, carrying the stone of Remorse.
DILIGENCE
Diligence brings news of the Spanish invasion. When the lords of London unmask Fraud, Diligence is ordered to take him to Newgate prison, but Fraud tricks him and escapes. Diligence gives money to Simplicity to prepare a 'show' for the wedding of the lords and ladies. In the wedding parade, he marches with a truncheon.
DISSIMULATION
Since the end of The Three Ladies of London, Dissimulation has been banished from London while his mistress, Lucre, is in prison, but now, hearing that the three ladies may be released, he is back, and he meets his old friends Fraud, Usury and Simony, in the hope of renewing their "old entertainment." But the ladies, even Lucre, spurn them. Dissimulation, Fraud and Simony then disguise as sailors in order to join with the Spanish invasion. After the lords have defeated the Spanish, Dissimulation, calling himself 'Fair Semblance,' presents himself to Pleasure as a servant. The lords are not fooled, and try to brand Dissimulation, but he escapes. He and Fraud disguise themselves to take part in the wedding parade; Dissimulation carries the lance and shield of Pride. He helps Fraud to escape after he is recognized by Simplicity.
DOUBLE-DEALING
Double-Dealing comes to Love while she stands on her stone, in order to offer her something that he will not name. But Nemo warns Love that Double-Dealing has been sent by Dissimulation to gull her.
FAIR SEMBLANCE
Fair Semblance is the name assumed by Dissimulation when he presents himself to Pleasure as a servant.
FALSEHOOD
Falsehood comes to Lucre while she is on her stone to offer her fine garments. But Nemo warns her that Falsehood has been sent by Fraud to gull her.
FEALTY
Fealty is the herald of the three lords of London. His coat has "the arms of London before, and an olive tree behind." He and Shealty act as go-betweens in the confrontation between the lords of London and Spain, and Fealty describes the lords of London to the Spanish lords.
FRAUD
Since the end of The Three Ladies of London, Fraud has been banished while his mistress, Lucre, has been in prison, but now, hearing that the three ladies may be released, he is back, and he meets his old friends Dissimulation, Usury and Simony, in the hope of renewing their "old entertainment." But the ladies, even Lucre, spurn them. Fraud disguises as a French artificer with a comedy accent, and he gulls Simplicity and Painful Penury into buying some shoddy goods. Then, Fraud, Dissimulation and Simony disguise as sailors in order to join with the Spanish invasion. After the lords have defeated the Spanish, Fraud, calling himself Skill, presents himself to Policy as a servant. The lords are not fooled, and order Diligence to take him to prison, but Fraud gulls Diligence into letting him escape. He and Dissimulation then disguise themselves to take part in the wedding parade, in which Fraud carries the lance and shield of Ambition. Then Simplicity recognizes him, and begs Pleasure and Conscience to help recover his money. The lords punish Fraud by tying him to a post and inviting the blindfolded Simplicity to charge at him with a burning torch. However, they direct Simplicity toward another post, so Fraud is unharmed. While everyone laughs at Simplicity, Dissimulation unties Fraud, and they escape. Simplicity believes he has burned Fraud to ashes.
GOVERNMENT
Government is the false name of Tyranny.
HONEST INDUSTRY
Honest Industry brings new attire for Lucre.
HONOR
Honor is the false name of Ambition.
HOSPITALITY
A "ghost character." Nemo recounts the events of the preceding play, in which Hospitality was murdered. According Nemo, Hospitality's ghost still haunts London.
LONDON
London is represented by "a lady, very richly attired", accompanied by two Angels. She speaks the Preface to the play.
LOVE
Love, Conscience and Lucre have been in prison since the end of The Three Ladies of London. Various men have petitioned for Love's release but Nemo only releases her when the three lords of London arrive to claim all three ladies. Love, Conscience and Lucre are released from prison by Sorrow, who places them, veiled, on three stones on which they lament. Love's stone is marked 'Charity' in leaden letters. There, the spots and deformities of the ladies disappear, symbolizing their moral rebirth. They refuse to be cajoled into accepting Fraud, Dissimulation, Usury and Simony into their service. Nemo then leads in the three lords, who are awed by the beauty of the ladies. Double-Dealing tries to give presents to Love, but Nemo warns her that he is an envoy of Fraud and Dissimulation. Love is brought new clothes by Pure Zeal. In the final scene, she marries Policy.
LUCRE
Lucre, Conscience and Love have been in prison since the end of The Three Ladies of London. Various men have petitioned for Lucre's release but Nemo only releases her when the three lords of London arrive to claim all three ladies. Love, Conscience and Lucre are released from prison by Sorrow, who places them, veiled, on three stones on which they lament. Lucre's stone is marked 'Care' in leaden letters. There, the spots and deformities of the ladies disappear, symbolizing their moral rebirth. They refuse to be cajoled into accepting Fraud, Dissimulation, Usury and Simony into their service. Nemo then leads in the three lords, who are awed by the beauty of the ladies. Falsehood tries to give presents to Lucre, but Nemo warns her that he is an envoy of Fraud and Dissimulation. Lucre is brought new clothes by Honest Industry. Lucre is initially the favorite of all three lords, but in the final scene, she marries Pomp.
MAJESTY
Majesty is the false name of Pride.
MODESTY
Modesty is the false name of Shame.
NEIGHBOURS, SIMPLICITY'S
Simplicity and "three or four" neighbors brandish their clubs and hunt for Fraud.
NEMO
Nemo is the Judge who condemned Love, Conscience and Lucre to prison in The Three Ladies of London. The three lords beg him to release the ladies. Nemo agrees, but warns them that the ladies are not a pretty sight since they are dressed in rags. He releases the ladies, announces to them the arrival of the lords, and orders them to unveil. He warns Love and Lucre against Falsehood and Double-Dealing. When the ladies have been brought new attire, Nemo invites the three lords to meet them again the next day. The only problem is that they all prefer Lucre, so Nemo tricks them by bringing in Conscience, telling them she is Lucre, and asking her to choose her favorite lord. Conscience chooses Pleasure, who is happy to marry her even when he learns that he has been tricked. Nemo introduces the lords of London to the lords of Lincoln. At the end of the play he explains the consequences of the action, and laments the death of Hospitality.
PAINFUL PENURY
Painful Penury is Simplicity's wife, "attired like a water-bearing woman with her tankard." She reminds Simplicity that he can have no dinner because it is a fasting day. She and Simplicity are gulled into buying some worthless goods by Fraud.
PLEASURE
Pleasure, along with Pomp and Policy, is one of the eponymous lords of London. His page is Will. His shield bears the image of a falcon, and he wears bright colors. The three lords have come to London to marry the three ladies, Love, Conscience and Lucre, although there is a problem: all three prefer Lucre. They petition Nemo for the release of the ladies, and he accedes. They meet the ladies and admire their beauty. But all three lords still prefer Lucre. So Nemo tricks them, by bringing Conscience before them, but telling them she is Lucre. The lords are dazzled by her beauty, and Nemo asks her to choose her lord. Conscience chooses Pleasure, and he accepts her even when he learns that he has been tricked. When the Spanish invade, Pleasure challenges Tyranny for the sake of Conscience. The three lords attack, and the Spaniards run away. The lords of London hang up their shields and hide to see what the Spaniards do. The Spaniards return and 'flourish their rapiers' but do not dare to touch the shields. They then hang up their own. The lords of London take their own shields and batter those of the Spaniards. The Spaniards 'slip away.' The lords return to the three ladies, showing off their captured shields. In the final scene, Pleasure marries Conscience. During the wedding, Simplicity asks Pleasure and Conscience to help him in his feud with Fraud, so Pleasure organizes the punishment of Fraud. At the end of the play, Pleasure prays for the people of England, especially Londoners.
POLICY
Policy, along with Pleasure and Pomp, is one of the eponymous lords of London. His page is Wit. His shield bears the image of a tortoise, and he wears black. The three lords have come to London to marry the three ladies, Love, Conscience and Lucre, although there is a problem: all three prefer Lucre. They petition Nemo for the release of the ladies, and he accedes. They meet the ladies and admire their beauty. But all three lords still prefer Lucre. So Nemo tricks them, by bringing Conscience before them, but telling them she is Lucre. The lords are dazzled by her beauty, and Nemo asks her to choose her lord. She chooses Pleasure. When the Spanish invade, Policy challenges Ambition for the sake of Love. The three lords attack, and the Spaniards run away. The lords of London hang up their shields and hide to see what the Spaniards do. The Spaniards return and 'flourish their rapiers' but do not dare to touch the shields. They then hang up their own. The lords of London take their own shields and batter those of the Spaniards. The Spaniards 'slip away.' The lords return to the three ladies, showing off their captured shields. When Fraud, Dissimulation and Usury try to become servants of the lords, Policy attempts to brand them. In the final scene, Policy marries Love. At the end of the play, he prays for the Queen's counselors, and the noblemen of England.
POMP
Pomp, along with Pleasure and Policy, is one of the eponymous lords of London. His page is Wealth. His shield bears the image of a lily, and he wears "rich robes." The three lords have come to London to marry the three ladies, Love, Conscience and Lucre, although there is a problem: all three prefer Lucre. They petition Nemo for the release of the ladies, and he accedes. They meet the ladies and admire their beauty. But all three lords still prefer Lucre. So Nemo tricks them, by bringing Conscience before them, but telling them she is Lucre. The lords are dazzled by her beauty, and Nemo asks her to choose her lord. She chooses Pleasure. When the Spanish invade, Pomp challenges Pride for the sake of Lucre. The three lords attack, and the Spaniards run away. The lords of London hang up their shields and hide to see what the Spaniards do. The Spaniards return and 'flourish their rapiers' but do not dare to touch the shields. They then hang up their own. The lords of London take their own shields and batter those of the Spaniards. The Spaniards 'slip away.' The lords return to the three ladies, showing off their captured shields. In the final scene, Pomp marries Lucre. At the end of the play, he prays for the Queen.
PRIDE
Pride, along with Ambition and Tyranny, is one of the invading Spanish lords. He calls himself 'Majesty.' His shield bears the image of a peacock. He hopes to claim Lucre for his prize. When the lords of London attack, the Spaniards 'suddenly depart.' The lords of London hang up their shields and hide to see what the Spaniards do. The Spaniards return and 'flourish their rapiers' but do not dare to touch the shields. They then hang up their own. The lords of London take their own shields and batter those of the Spaniards. The Spaniards 'do suddenly slip away and come no more.'
PURE ZEAL
Pure Zeal brings new attire for Love.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
A "ghost character." Policy prays for her at the end of the play.
REGARD
Regard is the false name of Terror.
SHAME
Shame is the page of Pride. He calls himself 'Modesty.' He carries a lance with a gilt pendant. The Spanish pages (Terror, Shealty, and Treachery) fight the pages of London (Wit, Wealth, and Will) and are defeated.
SHEALTY
Shealty is the herald of the Spanish lords. According to Policy, his name is "an Irish word, signifying liberty, rather remissness, looseness if you will." His coat carries "the arms of Spain before, and a burning ship behind." He and Fealty act as go-betweens during the confrontation between the lords of London and Spain, and he describes the Spanish lords to the lords of London.
SIMONY
Since the end of The Three Ladies of London, Simony has been banished while his mistress, Lucre, has been in prison, but now, hearing that the three ladies may be released, he is back, and he meets his old friends Fraud, Usury and Dissimulation, in the hope of renewing their "old entertainment." But the ladies, even Lucre, spurn them, and they run away when Nemo arrives. Simony, Dissimulation, and Fraud disguise as sailors in order to join with the Spanish invasion.
SIMPLICITY
Simplicity enters "in bare black, like a poor citizen." He carries an image of Tarlton. He is now married to Painful Penury, and works as a ballad-seller. He contests in a ballad-singing contest with Wit (the audience is invited to choose the winner). His wife reminds him that it is a fasting-day, but Simplicity resolves to drink instead of eat. When Fraud, Dissimulation, Usury and Simony try to cajole the veiled three ladies into accepting them as servants, Simplicity warns them who they are speaking to. Then, he and Painful Penury are gulled by Fraud into buying some worthless goods; when Simplicity tries to pawn them, Usury will not accept them. He recognizes Fraud, Dissimulation and Simony in their sailor disguises, and hides to overhear them. He learns that the French artificer was Fraud, and runs away. He then interrupts the lords of London with "a great noise within", and enters with his neighbors, brandishing clubs, to hunt for Fraud. Pomp tells him to calm down and look elsewhere. Simplicity then presents a suit to the lords, calling for the abolition of those who call for any old iron, gold, silver or wood. He gets money from Diligence to present a 'show' at the wedding of the lords and ladies. In the wedding parade, Simplicity carries the lance and shield of Tyranny. Then he recognizes Fraud in the parade, and begs Pleasure and Conscience to help him recover his money. To make Simplicity happy, Pleasure punishes Fraud by tying him to a post and inviting the blindfolded Simplicity to charge at him with a burning torch. But in fact, Simplicity is directed toward the other post, so Fraud is unharmed. Fraud escapes, but Simplicity, when his blindfold is removed, believes that he has burned him to ashes.
SINCERITY
Sincerity brings new attire for Conscience.
SKILL
Skill is the name assumed by Fraud when he presents himself to Policy as a servant.
SORROW
Sorrow is the jailer of Love, Lucre and Conscience. Nemo orders him to release them, and Sorrow sets them upon their stones.
TARLTON
Only mentioned by Simplicity, who carries an image of the recently deceased clown Richard Tarlton with him, and speaks an elegy on him.
TERROR
Terror is the page of Tyranny. He calls himself 'Regard.' He carries a lance with a pendant of "gules; in it, a tiger's head out of a cloud, licking a bloody heart." The Spanish pages (Terror, Shealty, and Treachery) fight the pages of London (Wit, Wealth, and Will)and are defeated.
TREACHERY
Treachery is the page of Ambition. He calls himself 'Action.' He carries a lance with a pendant of "argent and azure, an armed arm catching at the sunbeams." The Spanish pages (Terror, Shealty, and Treachery) fight the pages of London (Wit, Wealth, and Will) and are defeated.
TYRANNY
Tyranny, along with Ambition and Pride, is one of the invading Spanish lords. He calls himself 'Government.' His shield bears the image of "a naked child on a spear's point bleeding." He hopes to claim Conscience for his prize. When the lords of London attack, the Spaniards "suddenly depart." The lords of London hang up their shields and hide to see what the Spaniards do. The Spaniards return and "flourish their rapiers" but do not dare to touch the shields. They then hang up their own. The lords of London take their own shields and batter those of the Spaniards. The Spaniards "do suddenly slip away and come no more."
USURY
Since the end of The Three Ladies of London, Usury has been banished while his mistress, Lucre has been in prison, but now, hearing that the three ladies may be released, he is back, and he meets his old friends Fraud, Dissimulation and Simony, in the hope of renewing their "old entertainment." But the ladies, even Lucre, spurn them. Usury refuses to accept Simplicity's worthless goods as pawns, and tweaks Simplicity's ears. He refuses to follow Fraud, Dissimulation and Simony in joining the Spanish, because he is not sure what their laws are on usury. After the lords have defeated the Spanish, Usury presents himself to Policy as a servant. The lords are not fooled, and brand him with the sign of "A little 'x' standing in the midst of a great 'C'", signifying that interest is capped at ten per cent.
WEALTH
Wealth is the page of Pomp. He is left to guard his master's shield, and explains the image on the shield to the other pages, Wit and Will. When the Spaniards invade, the pages of London fight their Spanish pages (Treachery, Terror, and Shealty) with lances, and defeat them. For an unspecified reason, unnamed boys perform the pages' functions during the wedding of the lords and ladies.
WENCH
A Wench sings as she strews flowers for the wedding of the lords and ladies.
WILL
Will is the page of Pleasure. He is left to guard his master's shield, and explains the image on the shield to the other pages, Wealth and Wit. When the Spaniards invade, the pages of London fight their Spanish pages (Treachery, Terror, and Shealty) with lances, and defeat them. For an unspecified reason, unnamed boys perform the pages' functions during the wedding of the lords and ladies.
WIT
Wit is the page of Policy. He is left to guard his master's shield, and explains the image on the shield to the other pages, Wealth and Will. He challenges Simplicity to a ballad-singing contest, and the audience is invited to choose the winner. When the Spaniards invade, the pages of London fight their Spanish pages (Terror, Treachery, and Shealty) with lances, and defeat them. For an unspecified reason, unnamed boys perform the pages' functions during the wedding of the lords and ladies.