Measure for Measure | Vincentio (Character Analysis)
He is the ruler of Vienna. As the play opens, Duke Vincentio is preparing to leave the city for a while, and when he appoints the puritanical Angelo to govern during his absence, he tells him that "Mortality and mercy in Vienna / Live in thy tongue and heart" (I.i.44-45). Shortly afterward, he informs Angelo that "Your scope is as mine own, / So to enforce or qualify the laws / As to your soul seems good" (I.i.64-66). Thus before he leaves, Duke Vincentio reminds Angelo twice of the need for balance in administering Vienna's laws: "Mortality" (the death sentence) should be tempered...
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