Characters
Mr. Dangle
Mr. Dangle is a wealthy enthusiast of the London theater scene, renowned for his theatrical obsessions. His passion for the stage is so immense that he disregards newspaper articles on current events in favor of those detailing new productions. "I hate all politics but theatrical politics," he declares to his wife as he eagerly reads about a new play. Dangle's reputation as "the head of a band of criticks" is widely respected, and his endorsement is highly sought after by those in the theatrical world. Aspiring actors, musicians, and playwrights frequent his home, hoping to secure his influential patronage. His self-importance and somewhat ridiculous attachment to the arts make him the target of gentle mockery. Despite this, he is not a harsh critic; he often tempers his criticisms with kindness, as seen in his interactions with Sir Fretful Plagiary, where he makes an effort to spare feelings despite offering constructive criticism.
Dangle's devotion to the theater is evident during the rehearsal of Mr. Puff's The Spanish Armada, where he maintains a diplomatic tone, even when questioning the play's flaws. His role as a critic is characterized by a gentle demeanor, and he derives joy from reading plays in advance and occupying the best seats in the house. Dangle's interactions with his wife are humorously contentious, as she finds his theatrical enthusiasm childish and exasperating, lamenting the constant stream of theatrical figures in their home.
Mrs. Dangle
Mrs. Dangle, Mr. Dangle’s wife, finds his unwavering devotion to theater perplexing and childish. She is particularly frustrated by the never-ending procession of actors, managers, and playwrights cluttering her home, which she refers to as "the motley rendezvous of all the lackeys of literature." While Dangle is absorbed in theatrical matters, Mrs. Dangle is more concerned with contemporary political affairs, scolding Dangle for his lack of interest in anything but theater. Her sharp remarks underscore her irritation, humorously noting that if "the French were landed tomorrow," Dangle's first concern would be whether they brought a theatrical troupe.
Despite her attempts to engage with the visitors, like the Italian singer and his translator who visit their home, Mrs. Dangle's patience wanes. Her frustration with the incomprehensible exchanges manifests in a mixture of bewilderment and exasperation, revealing her disdain for the theatrical chaos that envelops her household. Despite these annoyances, Mrs. Dangle remains unable to alter her husband's enthusiastic pursuit of theatrical engagements.
Mr. Puff
Mr. Puff is a playwright and press agent known for his skillful manipulation of public perception through praise-for-pay "puffs." A self-proclaimed "Practitioner in Pangeyric" or "Professor of the Art of Puffing," he excels in crafting exaggerated reviews and advertisements to elevate the mundane into the extraordinary. His current focus is theater, where he indulges his penchant for fiction and embellishment through his play, The Spanish Armada, which is rehearsed in acts 2 and 3. Puff's nervous intensity during rehearsals is palpable, and his shameless self-defense against any criticism—such as explaining the use of Shakespearean lines as mere coincidences—adds humor to the play's proceedings.
His various puffing techniques, including "The Puff Direct" and "The Puff Collusive," demonstrate his ingenuity in contriving positive attention and public intrigue. Despite Puff's over-the-top confidence in his work, he remains likable, if not a bit absurd, for his unyielding belief in his own creative prowess.
Mr. Sneer
Mr. Sneer, a close friend and fellow critic of Mr. Dangle, is a man known for his cynical nature, always quick to find faults in others. In contrast to Dangle's genial nature, Sneer's bitterness and unforgiving stance towards the theater are evident in his sarcastic remarks....
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He frequently critiques the purging of comedic content, noting that modern audiences seem to prioritize entertainment over moral lessons. Sneer’s commentary during the rehearsal of Puff'sThe Spanish Armada is marked by sharp wit and sarcasm, providing a humorous counterpoint to Puff's theatrical excesses.
Sneer's role in the play is crucial, as his biting sarcasm highlights the absurdity of Puff's work and offers an avenue for Sheridan to mock writers who, like Puff, are oblivious to their own mediocrity. Sneer's incisive observations punctuate the play, inviting the audience to join in the laughter at Puff's expense.
Sir Fretful Plagiary
Sir Fretful Plagiary is a dramatist and friend of Mr. Dangle who is notoriously incapable of accepting criticism, no matter how constructive. His name aptly reflects his fretful nature and penchant for borrowing others' works, often resulting in a collection of "stray jokes" and "pilfered witticisms." Sir Fretful is plagued by insecurity and vanity, traits that manifest when he persistently seeks feedback only to dismiss unfavorable opinions with petulance.
His interactions with Dangle and Sneer reveal his inability to perceive any faults in his work, as he invariably counters critiques with arrogant denials. Despite being the subject of ridicule for his thinly veiled envy and relentless pursuit of popularity, Sir Fretful remains blind to his own shortcomings, convinced of his unparalleled genius.
Lord Burleigh
Lord Burleigh, portrayed in Puff’s The Spanish Armada, serves as the Lord Treasurer and chief minister under Queen Elizabeth I. His character is entirely silent yet profoundly impactful, as his mere gesture of shaking his head conveys the necessity for English resilience in the face of their Spanish adversaries.
The Earl of Leicester
Appearing in Puff’s The Spanish Armada, the Earl of Leicester is a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I and the Commander-in-Chief of the military. His presence is marked by a comically serious scene where he leads the characters in a prayer to Mars, highlighting the play’s humorous tone.
The Governor of Tilbury Fort
In The Spanish Armada, the Governor of Tilbury Fort is the officer in charge of the fort where British troops muster. His daughter Tilburnia falls in love with the imprisoned Don Ferolo Whiskerandos. Despite her pleas to accept a "noble price" to free her lover, the Governor remains steadfast in his refusal.
Sir Christopher Hatton
Sir Christopher Hatton, another character in Puff’s The Spanish Armada, is the Lord Chancellor during the Spanish Armada crisis. His niece is among those who fall in love with Don Ferolo Whiskerandos, adding to the play’s thematic elements of romance and intrigue.
Sir Walter Raleigh
Sir Walter Raleigh, depicted in Puff’s play, is a soldier, explorer, and poet who occasionally found favor with Queen Elizabeth I. In The Spanish Armada, he appears alongside Sir Christopher Hatton, with his niece also besotted by Don Ferolo Whiskerandos.
Signor Pasticcio Ritornello
Signor Ritornello, possessing an "outlandish throat," visits Mr. Dangle’s home with his two nieces to secure Dangle's influential support. The visit results in a humorous display of cross-communication, as Signor Ritornello speaks only Italian and enlists a French translator, leading to a comical exchange that highlights the language barriers.
Tilburnia
Tilburnia, in Puff’s The Spanish Armada, is the daughter of the Governor of Tilbury Fort and enamored of Don Ferolo Whiskerandos. She embodies the parody of the tragic heroine, caught between love and duty, and ultimately succumbs to madness, throwing herself into the sea following Don Whiskerandos’s demise.
Don Ferolo Whiskerandos
Don Ferolo Whiskerandos, son of the Spanish admiral, is imprisoned at Tilbury Fort in Puff’s play. He is crafted as a parody of the exotic, alluring foreign lover and meets his end in a duel over Tilburnia, adding to the play’s dramatic and farcical elements.
