Characters Discussed
Last Updated on May 9, 2015, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 266
Gostanzo
Gostanzo, a stern Florentine gentleman. He believes his son Valerio to be a shy, industrious farmer and contrasts his virtues with the supposed aberrations of Fortunio, counseling strong punishment for the filial ingratitude of the latter. He is unexpectedly won over by the elaborate schemes of the young people.
Valerio
Valerio, his son, known to all but his father as a notorious gambler, drinker, and lover. He revels in schemes to gull Gostanzo and Cornelio, who once succeeded in duping him.
Marc Antonio
Marc Antonio, a mild-tempered gentleman who is ready to forgive his own son for his supposed secret marriage and is quick to intercede wherever he feels others are being too harsh or unjust.
Fortunio
Fortunio, Marc Antonio’s older son, a gallant who is enamored of Gostanzo’s daughter Bellonora. He is party to all the schemes in the air, although he initiates none of them.
Rinaldo
Rinaldo, Fortunio’s cynical brother, the intriguer who arranges the elaborate deceptions that enable Fortunio and Valerio to be with their mistresses.
Cornelio
Cornelio, an upstart courtier who appears to be consumed with jealousy of his young wife.
Gratiana
Gratiana, Valerio’s bride, a beautiful but penniless young woman.
Bellonora
Bellonora, Fortunio’s sweetheart. Her strict father, Gostanzo, keeps her under close watch, until he falls into Rinaldo’s trap and gives her the much-desired opportunity to be with her lover.
Gazetta
Gazetta, Cornelio’s wife. Chafing under her husband’s jealousy, she confesses envy of the young women who have not yet settled down to married life. She entertains herself with Cornelio’s friends.
Bibliography
Last Updated on May 9, 2015, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 123
Bradbrook, M. C. “George Chapman.” In British Writers, edited by Ian Scott-Killert. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1979. Fine overview of Chapman and his work. Presents a measured view of his plays.
Lewis, C. S. English Literature in the Sixteenth Century, Excluding Drama. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press, 1954. The discussion of Chapman, while relatively short, is excellent, and evaluates him as a writer of his times rather than as an isolated figure.
Sanders, Andrew. The Short Oxford History of English Literature. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press, 1994. Concise and to-the-point. Useful for gaining an appreciation of Chapman’s career and achievements.
Spivack, Charlotte. George Chapman. Boston: Twayne, 1967. Introductory survey volume to Chapman’s life and writings, with a generous and sympathetic study of All Fools. Bibliography.
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