The Malcontent: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Malcontent" is a play that explores themes of power, betrayal, and identity through its complex characters. Central to the story is Giovanni Altofronto, the deposed Duke of Genoa, who, under the guise of Malevole, critiques the corrupt court while secretly plotting to reclaim his dukedom. His friend, Celso, acts as his informant within the usurper's court, providing valuable insights into the machinations of the new regime led by Pietro Jacomo, the self-indulgent usurper. Jacomo's character is marked by a blind trust in his unfaithful wife, Aurelia, and his adopted heir, Mendoza, whose ambitions threaten his rule.
Mendoza, driven by a ruthless desire for power, becomes a significant antagonist but is ultimately thwarted by Malevole's cunning. Ferneze, another courtier, competes for Aurelia's affections, adding to the intrigue. Aurelia herself is portrayed as conflicted, experiencing regret after her infidelities, particularly upon believing her husband’s death. Supporting characters like Maria, Altofronto's loyal wife, and the foolish Bilioso, provide additional layers to the narrative, highlighting themes of loyalty and deception. Overall, the character dynamics in "The Malcontent" create a rich tapestry of moral ambiguity and social commentary, inviting reflection on the consequences of ambition and betrayal.
The Malcontent: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Marston
First published: 1604
Genre: Play
Locale: Genoa, Italy
Plot: Tragicomedy
Time: Thirteenth century
Giovanni Altofronto (jee-oh-VAHN-nee AHL-toh-FROHN-toh), the deposed Duke of Genoa. Disguised as Malevole (mah-LEH-voh-leh), the Malcontent, he hurls insults at the dissolute courtiers and ladies around him while he inwardly laments the misfortunes that have forced him to play this role. His feigned eccentricity enables him to learn of the court intrigues and eventually to engineer the recovery of his dukedom.
Celso (CHEHL-soh), Altofronto's friend and his spy at the usurper's court.
Pietro Jacomo (pee-EH-troh JAH-coh-moh), the usurper duke. He dotes on his faithless young wife and pampers his adopted heir, Mendoza, until Malevole tells him of their dis-loyalty and helps him avenge this dishonor. Chastened by the recognition of his own blindness to others, he gratefully relinquishes his title to the rightful duke.
Mendoza (mehn-DOH-zah), his ambitious protégé, the duchess' lover. His ruthless plans to destroy all those who stand between him and the dukedom are foiled only by Malevole's intervention.
Ferneze (fehr-NEH-zay), a handsome, unprincipled courtier, Mendoza's rival for the favors of the duchess.
Aurelia (ah-ew-REH-lee-ah), Jacomo's young wife, who succumbs to both Mendoza and Ferneze. She repents when she believes her husband has committed suicide, and she is happily reunited with him after Malevole has exposed Mendoza's treachery.
Maria, Altofronto's virtuous wife. She repulses Mendoza's advances, preferring death to disloyalty to her husband.
Bilioso (bee-lee-OH-soh), a foolish old courtier, regularly deceived by his young wife. Malevole taunts him for his fluctuating allegiance to each new claimant to the dukedom.
Maquerelle (mah-kew-REHL-lay), Aurelia's aging lady in waiting. She aids and abets the duchess and her ladies in their infidelities.
Emilia and Biancha (BEE-ahn-kah), the duchess' attendants.