'Tis Pity She's a Whore: Analysis of Major Characters
'Tis Pity She's a Whore is a tragedy that delves into the tumultuous relationships and moral dilemmas faced by its characters, particularly focusing on themes of love, honor, and familial loyalty. Central to the narrative are Giovanni and Annabella, siblings whose incestuous love leads to devastating consequences. Giovanni, an intellectual, believes his love for Annabella is virtuous, yet this conviction drives him to a tragic act of violence to preserve her honor. Annabella, on the other hand, struggles between societal expectations and her passionate feelings for her brother, ultimately facing dire repercussions from her choices.
Supporting characters include Florio, their father, who represents traditional values and suffers heartbreak upon discovering his children's relationship. Soranzo, Annabella's husband, embodies the conflict between social reputation and personal betrayal, while the bumbling suitor Bergetto adds a layer of social commentary through his misguided affections. The play also introduces figures like Putana, Annabella’s servant, who complicates the moral landscape, and Friar Bonaventura, who attempts to guide Giovanni but fails to alter his destructive path. Overall, the character dynamics and their tragic fates highlight the complexities of love in a rigidly structured society, inviting deeper reflection on the nature of desire and its consequences.
'Tis Pity She's a Whore: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Ford
First published: 1633
Genre: Play
Locale: Parma, Italy
Plot: Tragedy
Time: Renaissance period
Florio (FLOH-ree-oh), a gentleman of Parma, the devoted father of Giovanni and Annabella. Concerned about his son's “over-bookish” habits, he places his hope in his beloved daughter and leaves her free to marry for love. He is so shocked by the revelation of his children's incestuous relationship and Annabella's death that he dies almost instantly of a broken heart.
Giovanni (jee-oh-VAHN-nee), his sensitive, intellectual son, who is consumed by his passion for his sister. He maintains steadily the conviction that his love is virtuous and reaffirms his faith in his affection as he kills Annabella and their unborn child to save her honor.
Annabella, his beautiful sister. She rejects the virtuous life her father wants for her and returns Giovanni's love, repenting her actions only when she realizes that Soranzo intends to kill her for her betrayal of him.
Putana (pew-TAH-nah), Annabella's bawdy old servant, who encourages her relationship with Giovanni.
Donado (doh-NAH-doh), the wealthy uncle of one of Annabella's foolish suitors.
Bergetto (behr-GEHT-toh), Donado's tactless, stupid nephew, who courts Annabella with insults, then brags of winning her favor. He is killed by Grimaldi.
Poggio (poh-GEE-oh), Bergetto's servant.
Soranzo (soh-RAHN-zoh), the worldly, well-to-do gentleman whom Annabella marries to save her reputation. He rages and plots her murder when he learns how he has been duped.
Grimaldi (gree-MAHL-dee), a belligerent Roman gentleman, Annabella's admirer. He murders Bergetto by mistake as he attempts to take revenge on his successful rival, Soranzo.
Hippolita, Soranzo's vengeful cast-off mistress.
Richardetto, Hippolita's husband, rumored dead. Disguised as a doctor, he returns to Parma to spy on his wife's infidelities.
Philotis (fee-LOH-tees), Richardetto's niece.
Friar Bonaventura (boh-nah-vehn-TEW-rah), Giovanni's confessor, who tries unsuccessfully to convince him that he is falling deeper and deeper into sin.
Vasques (VAS-kwehz), Soranzo's servant, expert at extracting information and at thwarting conspiracies against his master.