The Mistress of the Inn: Analysis of Major Characters

Author: Carlo Goldoni

First published: 1753 as La locandiera (English translation, 1912)

Genre: Play

Locale: Florence, Italy

Plot: Comedy

Time: Mid-eighteenth century

Mirandolina (mee-RAHN-doh-LEE-nah), a pretty young girl who inherits an inn from her father. She promises him on his deathbed that she will marry Fabricius, who has served her father well. She delays the marriage, however, because of her delight in tempting all men, yet giving nothing. After enthralling three noble suitors, she finally announces that she will marry Fabricius.

Fabricius (fah-BREE-chee-ews), the faithful serving-man, who becomes jealous of Mirandolina's favors to the nobles.

Marquis di Forlipopoli (fohr-lee-POHP-oh-lee), a proud but penniless noble in love with Mirandolina.

Count D'Albafiorita (DAHL-bah-fee-oh-REE-tah), a wealthy noble who gives her expensive but tasteless presents.

Cavalier di Ripafratta (dee ree-pah-FRAHT-tah), a professed woman-hater whose defenses crumble before Mirandolina. At last, burning with love, he proposes marriage, but she refuses him.