The Conscious Lovers: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Conscious Lovers" is a comedic play that explores themes of love, misunderstandings, and familial relationships through a complex web of characters. Central to the narrative is Young Bevil, a gentleman entangled in a romantic dilemma as he is engaged to Lucinda Sealand, yet secretly wishes to marry Indiana Danvers. Lucinda, who is initially engaged to Bevil, becomes embroiled in misunderstandings regarding her feelings for Mr. Myrtle, Bevil's friend, further complicating their relationships.
The story also features Mr. Sealand, Lucinda's father, who mistakenly suspects Bevil's financial support for Indiana indicates infidelity, only to discover that Indiana is actually his long-lost daughter. This revelation brings a positive turn to the plot, allowing for the eventual union of Bevil and Indiana. Other characters such as Sir John Bevil, Mrs. Sealand, and Mr. Cimberton contribute to the humorous conflicts and societal commentary, particularly regarding wealth and marriage.
Overall, the play presents a lively exploration of romantic entanglements, social status, and the pursuit of true love, culminating in the resolution of misunderstandings and the proper pairing of its central characters.
The Conscious Lovers: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Richard Steele
First published: 1723
Genre: Play
Locale: London, England
Plot: Sentimental
Time: Early eighteenth century
Young Bevil, a gentleman of means who is in love with one girl but engaged to another, who in turn loves another man. After many complications of plot, the lovers are properly paired off.
Lucinda Sealand, who is engaged to young Bevil, who has sent her a letter permitting her to break the engagement. Her thankful letter of reply raises a misunderstanding and almost results in a duel between young Bevil and his friend Mr. Myrtle, whom Lucinda plans to marry.
Indiana Danvers, a girl whom young Bevil has befriended and whom he wishes to marry. She is the daughter of a British merchant who disappeared in the Indies some time before.
Mr. Sealand, Lucinda's father. Learning that young Bevil is paying Indiana's bills, he wrongly suspects that she is his mistress. Going to investigate before breaking off Lucinda's engagement to Bevil, he finds that Indiana is his long-lost daughter and he agrees to her marriage with Bevil.
Mr. Myrtle, young Bevil's friend, who is in love with Lucinda. Hoping to frustrate Mrs. Sealand's plan to marry Lucinda to Mr. Cimberton, Myrtle goes in disguise to the Sealand house. Finally, when all is cleared up, he reveals his identity and claims his bride.
Sir John Bevil, young Bevil's father, at whose request young Bevil is engaged to Lucinda. Later, after discovering that Indiana is Mr. Sealand's daughter, he is pleased that she will marry his son.
Mrs. Sealand, Lucinda's mother, a foolish woman who is eager to marry Lucinda to a rich man.
Mr. Cimberton, a peculiar and wealthy suitor for Lucinda's hand, favored by Mrs. Sealand. He looks over Lucinda as if he were buying a prize mare. Learning that Lucinda will have only half her father's fortune, he leaves in a huff.
Tom, young Bevil's artful servant.