The Relapse: Or, Virtue in Danger: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Relapse: Or, Virtue in Danger" is a comedic play that delves into the complexities of virtue and temptation through its vibrant characters. Central to the narrative is Loveless, a gentleman attempting to overcome his past marital troubles while navigating the distractions of London. His wife, Amanda, remains steadfast in her chastity, facing the advances of various suitors, including the charming widow Berinthia, who captures Loveless’s attention. Worthy, an old flame of Berinthia, seeks to win over Amanda, yet she remains resolute in maintaining her virtue.
Lord Foppington, a foppish nobleman, attempts to woo Amanda but is rebuffed, leading to a series of misunderstandings involving his brother, Young Fashion. Young Fashion’s scheming leads to his secret marriage with Miss Hoyden, an heiress, while complications arise when the true identities and relationships of the characters come to light. The story intertwines themes of deception, social status, and the pursuit of love, ultimately resolving in a comedic fashion that highlights the absurdities of the characters' romantic entanglements. Through its rich character dynamics, the play invites audiences to reflect on the nature of virtue and the folly of desire.
The Relapse: Or, Virtue in Danger: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Sir John Vanbrugh
First published: 1696
Genre: Play
Locale: England
Plot: Social satire
Time: Seventeenth century
Loveless, a gentleman living quietly in the country after a period of marital troubles. He goes to London frequently, however, to test his reform. He finds little difficulty in suffering a relapse.
Amanda, his wife. She remains chaste in spite of the combined efforts of her would-be lover and a friend who plays on her jealousy.
Berinthia, a comely widow and Amanda's friend. Loveless is attracted to Berinthia and succeeds with her easily.
Worthy, a gentleman of the town who was formerly Berinthia's lover. He enlists her aid in his pursuit of Amanda. Although Amanda admits him to her house, she retains her virtue.
Sir Novelty Fashion, Lord Foppington, a London fop who makes advances to Amanda and is repulsed by her and slightly wounded by Loveless. He is engaged to wealthy Miss Hoyden and marries her, only to learn afterward that she is already the wife of his younger brother.
Young Fashion, the brother of Lord Foppington. Unsuccessful in getting his brother to pay his debts, young Fashion pretends to be Lord Foppington and is admitted to Sir Tunbelly Clumsey's house as Miss Hoyden's fiancé. He persuades her to marry him secretly. Before the marriage is made known, the real Lord Foppington arrives, and young Fashion is forced to flee.
Miss Hoyden, a nubile heiress. On the real Lord Foppington's arrival, she decides to say nothing of her earlier wedding but to play safe and marry again. When the prior wedding is disclosed, however, and she learns that her husband is Lord Foppington's brother, she is content.
Sir Tunbelly Clumsey, a country squire, the father of Miss Hoyden. At first thunderstruck at young Fashion's disclosure, Sir Tunbelly accepts him as his son-in-law when it is revealed that he is Lord Foppington's brother.
Bull, the chaplain. He marries Miss Hoyden and young Fashion secretly. Fortunately, young Fashion has at his disposal the recently vacated Fat-goose Living. He promises it to Bull in return for Bull's admitting the truth about the recent marriage.
Lory, young Fashion's servant.
Coupler, the matchmaker who had arranged the engagement of Lord Foppington to Miss Hoyden. Fearing never to see Lord Foppington's promised two thousand pounds, Coupler plots with young Fashion and is to receive in return five thousand pounds.