Characters
Beatrice-Joanna
Beatrice-Joanna (beh-ah-TREES-hoh-AHN-yah) is the beautiful daughter of Vermandero, a wealthy government official. She is initially engaged to Alonzo de Piracquo, but quickly becomes infatuated with Alsemero, a handsome Spaniard. Her shift in affections marks the beginning of her moral decline, which leads to a series of deceptions and ultimately, murder. Beatrice-Joanna employs De Flores, a man she despises, to kill Alonzo, not realizing the full implications of her actions. De Flores, driven by his own obsessions, demands sexual submission as payment. Beatrice-Joanna's plan to maintain her chastity facade for Alsemero includes substituting Diaphanta in her place on her wedding night. Her actions unravel when Jasperino overhears incriminating conversations and informs Alsemero, leading to her confession and ultimate demise at the hands of De Flores. In her final moments, she is shamed before her father, Vermandero, and admits the full extent of her crimes to Alsemero.
De Flores
De Flores (FLOH-rehs) is Vermandero’s servant, known for his unattractive appearance, particularly his facial skin. Despite being perceived as an honest man, his life is dominated by a consuming obsession with Beatrice-Joanna, who shows him nothing but disdain. He exploits her request for Alonzo’s murder to achieve his own desires, coercing Beatrice-Joanna into sexual submission. De Flores orchestrates the murder of Alonzo and later eliminates Diaphanta by setting fire to her chamber to protect their secret. He is efficient and cunning, outmaneuvering Beatrice-Joanna at every turn. Although he occasionally experiences pangs of conscience, he ultimately remains defiant. When their crimes are discovered, he kills himself and Beatrice-Joanna, ensuring they are united in death.
Vermandero
Vermandero (vehr-mahn-DEH-roh) is Beatrice-Joanna’s father and the governor of the castle of Alicante. He desires the best possible marriage for his daughter and expects her to follow his wishes. An old friend of Alsemero’s late father, he is well-disposed towards Alsemero and unaware of the chaos unfolding in his household. Vermandero is a good-hearted, hospitable, and honorable man who is forced to confront the horror of his daughter’s crimes in the play’s climax. The revelation of Beatrice-Joanna’s actions leaves him devastated, as he is compelled to watch the consequences and mourn her death.
Alsemero
Alsemero (ahls-MEH-roh) is a nobleman from Valencia who falls instantly in love with Beatrice-Joanna and postpones his voyage to Malta to pursue her. Despite his honor, he becomes entangled in the deceit surrounding Beatrice-Joanna. Determined not to marry her without proof of her virtue, he brews a potion to test her chastity. Although initially relieved when she passes the test, he is horrified by her eventual confession of murder and deceit. Rejecting her utterly, he is left to sympathize with Vermandero, offering himself as a substitute son to replace the daughter lost to evil deeds.
Alonzo de Piracquo
Alonzo de Piracquo (pee-RAHK-kwoh) is Beatrice-Joanna’s original fiancé. He is a nobleman regarded highly by Vermandero. Trusting and unsuspecting of Beatrice-Joanna’s lack of love for him, he is warned by his brother Tomaso about the dangers of a loveless marriage. However, he dismisses these warnings and remains oblivious to De Flores’ intentions until his murder during a tour of Vermandero’s castle.
Tomaso de Piracquo
Tomaso (toh-MAH-soh) is Alonzo’s perceptive brother, who immediately senses Beatrice-Joanna’s indifference and warns Alonzo against the marriage. His instincts about individuals are invariably accurate, and he is driven to seek justice after Alonzo’s murder. Initially deceived by De Flores’ facade of honesty, Tomaso later distrusts him instinctively and strikes him. By the play’s end, he is content that justice has been served.
Jasperino
Jasperino (hahs-peh-REE-noh) is Alsemero’s attentive servant, sensitive to his master’s moods and watchful over his affairs. He uncovers De...
(This entire section contains 1061 words.)
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Flores and Beatrice-Joanna's liaison, playing a crucial role in their downfall. Jasperino initially expresses surprise at Alsemero’s sudden infatuation with Beatrice-Joanna and decides to entertain himself by pursuing Diaphanta. His discovery of incriminating conversations leads to the exposure of Beatrice-Joanna’s crimes.
Diaphanta
Diaphanta (dee-ah-FAHN-tah) is Beatrice-Joanna’s maid, renowned for her wit and worldly-wise demeanor while remaining virtuous. She agrees to substitute for her mistress on her wedding night, eager for the task and confident in her virtue. However, she overstays her welcome in Alsemero’s bed, leading De Flores to set a fire to lure her back. Diaphanta perishes in the flames, fulfilling De Flores’ lethal plan.
Alibius
Alibius (ah-LEE-bee-ews) is an older, jealous doctor who manages a private lunatic asylum. His anxiety over losing his much younger wife, Isabella, leads him to confine her to their home, away from potential suitors. He entrusts Lollio, his servant, with keeping order among the inmates and ensuring Isabella’s fidelity while he is away. Alibius’s fears and controlling nature contrast with Isabella’s desire for freedom and companionship.
Lollio
Lollio (LOH-yee-oh) is the cunning servant of Alibius, tasked with maintaining order among the asylum’s inhabitants and safeguarding Isabella’s fidelity. Despite his master’s orders, Lollio is driven by his own desires, attempting to win Isabella’s affections while introducing Antonio and Franciscus to her. He is quick to see through disguises yet fails to heed the doctor’s wishes, seeking personal gain from the chaos.
Isabella
Isabella (ees-ah-BEH-yah) is the young, attractive wife of Alibius, frustrated by her confinement. Her beauty invites romantic attention, which she must navigate carefully. Despite her husband’s fears, she demonstrates good judgment and deflects advances from Lollio, Antonio, and Franciscus. Isabella’s sensibility and common sense are highlighted in contrast to Beatrice-Joanna’s reckless and manipulative behavior.
Antonio
Antonio, a member of Vermandero’s staff, disguises himself as a fool to enter the asylum and express his love for Isabella. His plan is complicated by the coincidental murder of Alonzo, leading to his arrest alongside Franciscus. As the counterfeit fool, he escapes execution only when the truth is revealed in the final act.
Franciscus
Franciscus, another employee of Vermandero, takes leave to masquerade as a madman and pursue Isabella’s affection. His attempts are thwarted when Lollio intercepts his love letter to Isabella. Arrested on suspicion of Alonzo’s murder, Franciscus narrowly escapes hanging when the true culprits are unveiled.
Pedro
Pedro is Antonio’s friend who aids in his entrance to the asylum by pretending to be his cousin. He plays a minor role, facilitating Antonio’s plan to woo Isabella under false pretenses.
