The Man of Mode: Or, Sir Fopling Flutter: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Man of Mode: Or, Sir Fopling Flutter" is a comedy that delves into the lives and relationships of a group of London socialites in the Restoration period, highlighting themes of love, deception, and societal expectations. The central character, Dorimant, is a charming yet ruthless dandy known for his reputation as a lover, who manipulates relationships to achieve his desires. He juggles multiple romantic entanglements, including Lady Loveit, who is oblivious to being replaced by the equally self-serving Bellinda, a new mistress who is as indifferent to conventional morals as Dorimant.
Harriet, a wealthy young woman from the countryside, becomes the object of Dorimant's affections, despite her mother, Lady Woodvill, wishing for her to marry the more suitable young Bellair. However, Bellair is also caught in a web of desire, as he secretly loves Emilia, leading to a clandestine marriage that further complicates the dynamics with his father, Old Bellair, who is unknowingly competing for Emilia's affection. Sir Fopling Flutter, a foolish character, adds a layer of comedic folly to the narrative, representing the superficiality of the social elite. The interplay among these characters reveals the intricate and often hypocritical nature of their society, making it a rich study of human behavior and relationships.
The Man of Mode: Or, Sir Fopling Flutter: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Sir George Etherege
First published: 1676
Genre: Play
Locale: London, England
Plot: Comedy of manners
Time: The 1670's
Dorimant, a London dandy with a great reputation as a lover. He brutally casts off one mistress for another. He masquerades part of the time as Courtage to hide his identity from Lady Woodvill, Harriet's mother. As Courtage, he wins Lady Woodvill's admiration, as a means of acquiring her consent to marry her daughter.
Sir Fopling Flutter, a foolish fop. He dresses, acts, and speaks foolishly.
Lady Loveit, Dorimant's mistress. Tired of her, he tries to escape from the entanglement with her. She complains bitterly to Bellinda, not knowing that she is supplanted in Dorimant's affections by Bellinda.
Bellinda, a beautiful woman who succeeds Lady Loveit as Dorimant's mistress. She is as amoral as Lady Loveit and Dorimant. She does not mind Dorimant marrying Harriet as long as her love affair with him remains a secret.
Harriet, a beautiful, wealthy girl from the country. She is attracted to Dorimant, but she is the girl Old Bellair wants his son to marry. She is uninterested in marrying young Bellair and he is uninterested in marrying her. She is finally permitted to marry Dorimant.
Bellair, a London dandy and a friend of Dorimant. He wishes to marry Emilia, rather than Harriet, the woman his father has chosen for him. He marries Emilia without his father's knowledge.
Old Bellair, Bellair's father. He falls in love with Emilia, whom his son loves, and wants to marry her himself.
Lady Townley, young Bellair's aunt. Bellair hopes she can help him win his father's consent to marry Emilia.
Lady Woodvill, Harriet's mother. She is eager for a marriage between her daughter and Bellair. Her main interest is in keeping her daughter from being seduced by Dorimant.
Emilia, a young woman whom Bellair hopes to marry. Old Bellair is also smitten and wants to marry her, not knowing of his son's intentions. She and Bellair marry secretly before Old Bellair can intervene.