The Traitor: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Traitor: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate web of relationships and motives surrounding a tragic narrative set in Florence. At the center is Lorenzo, a cunning kinsman of Duke Alexander, who seeks power by exploiting the duke's infatuation with the chaste Amidea. When Lorenzo's initial plot fails, he resorts to murder, ultimately killing Alexander after Amidea’s demise. Duke Alexander, consumed by his obsession for Amidea, reaches a tragic acceptance of death upon learning of her fate. Amidea herself is depicted as an innocent victim, whose death serves as a catalyst for revenge and highlights the destructiveness of desire and shame.
The narrative is further complicated by the actions of Sciarrha and Florio, Amidea's brothers, who align with Lorenzo but face dire consequences for their vengeful acts. Pisano, Amidea's betrothed, is swayed by others and tragically ends up sacrificing his own life. The storyline also features supporting characters like Cosmo and Oriana, who navigate their own entanglements amidst the chaos. This analysis prompts reflection on themes of ambition, love, and betrayal, inviting readers to explore the dramatic tensions that define the characters' fates.
The Traitor: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: James Shirley
First published: 1635
Genre: Play
Locale: Florence, Italy
Plot: Tragedy
Time: c. 1480
Lorenzo (loh-REHN-zoh), the kinsman of Duke Alexander of Florence. Eager to unseat Alexander and succeed him, Lorenzo uses the ruler's lustful attraction for Amidea to lure her brothers into a plot against the duke. Foiled at first, he tries again and kills Alexander when the duke comes to visit Amidea, who is already dead. He himself is killed by Amidea's angered brother.
Alexander, the young Duke of Florence. Forgetting safety of person and security of position, the young duke is absorbed by his pursuit of Amidea. When he realizes that she died rather than submit to him, he welcomes death.
Amidea (ah-MEE-deh-ah), a chaste young woman who is betrothed to Pisano and is the innocent and unwilling object of Alexander's lust. She shames the duke into repenting at first, then dies at the hands of Sciarrha rather than be shamed.
Sciarrha (skee-AHR-rah) and Florio (FLOH-ree-oh), her brothers and avengers. Allied with Lorenzo, Sciarrha murders Pisano and kills his own sister rather than let her be shamed. After Duke Alexander's murder, Sciarrha kills Lorenzo but is himself mortally wounded.
Pisano (pee-ZAH-noh), a young man who is betrothed to Amidea. Influenced by Petruchio and Lorenzo, Pisano breaks his marriage contract with Amidea to marry Oriana and is murdered by Sciarrha.
Cosmo, his friend. To please Pisano, Cosmo breaks his engagement to Oriana. After the bloodbath, Cosmo assumes the rule of Florence.
Oriana (oh-ree-AH-nah), who is loved by Pisano. She was formerly betrothed to Cosmo.
Morosa (moh-ROH-sah), Oriana's mother.
Petruchio (peh-TREW-kee-oh), Pisano's servant, hired by Lorenzo to help kill Duke Alexander.
Depazzi (deh-PAHZ-zee), one of Lorenzo's conspirators.