The Pretenders: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Pretenders: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and deceptions among its central figures. Erostrato, a wealthy Sicilian's son, is deeply in love with Polynesta and disguises himself as his servant, Dulippo, to gain access to her. Polynesta reciprocates his feelings, while her father, Damon, has imprisoned Erostrato, unaware of his true identity. Dulippo plays a crucial role in aiding Erostrato’s pursuit of love and is revealed to be the son of Cleander, an old doctor of law and another suitor for Polynesta's hand. Cleander’s financial commitment to win Polynesta is challenged by the unfolding identities and relationships, culminating in his happiness upon discovering Dulippo's true lineage. Other notable characters include Pasiphilo, a gluttonous parasite who inadvertently aids in the plot, and Philogano, Erostrato's father, who finds himself entangled in misunderstandings. The dynamics among these characters reveal themes of love, deception, and the complexities of familial ties.
The Pretenders: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Ludovico Ariosto
First published: I suppositi, 1509 (English translation, 1566)
Genre: Play
Locale: Ferrara, Italy
Plot: Farce
Time: c. 1500
Erostrato (EH-rohs-TRAH-toh), the son of a wealthy Sicilian. He is in love with Polynesta and gains access to her house by posing as his servant, Dulippo. Imprisoned by her father, he is released and united with Polynesta after the arrival of his father, Philogano.
Dulippo (dew-LEEP-poh), Erostrato's servant, who poses as his master to help him in his wooing. He is discovered to be Cleander's son.
Polynesta (poh-lee-NEHS-tah), a young woman in love with Erostrato.
Damon (DAH-mohn), her father.
Cleander (klee-AHN-dehr), an old doctor of law and the suitor of Polynesta, for whose hand he will give any amount of money. He is constantly fooled by the disguised Dulippo but is made happy when the latter is revealed as his long-lost son. Because he wants to marry only to produce an heir, he gladly relinquishes his suit.
Pasiphilo (pah-see-FEE-loh), a parasite who is always hungry. Sleeping off an attack of indigestion, he overhears Damon confess that he has imprisoned Erostrato and gives this information to Dulippo.
Philogano (fee-loh-GAH-noh), Erostrato's father, who comes in search of his son. He is dumbfounded to be called, by Dulippo, either an impostor or a madman, and to find a Sienese posing as himself. Dulippo's confession clears up the confusion.
Balia (BAH-lee-ah), Polynesta's nurse and accomplice in her love affair with Erostrato.
ASienese, who poses as Erostrato's father.