In a tale of intrigue and betrayal, Duke Altofronto finds himself ousted from Genoa due to a coup orchestrated by the shrewd Mendoza, with Florentine support. This political upheaval elevates the pliable Pietro Jacomo to power through his marriage to Aurelia, the daughter of a prominent Florentine leader. Disguised as Malevole, Altofronto awaits the moment when Genoa will tire of its new ruler, while his loyal wife, Maria, languishes in prison, resolutely awaiting his return. Meanwhile, Celso, his secret informant, keeps him apprised of the state's affairs.

The Malcontent's Dual Nature

Altofronto, under the guise of Malevole, is a paradoxical character. Though he exudes intelligence and blunt honesty, refusing to pander to the whims of others, he is simultaneously described as a discontented figure, more troubled than Lucifer himself. This dual nature makes him unpredictable, an asset in his plots against his enemies. Even Pietro, the new duke, feels an inexplicable attraction to the enigmatic Malcontent. It is through this disguise that Altofronto reveals to Pietro his cuckolding at the hands of Mendoza, igniting outrage and suspicion. Malevole declares such a betrayal unnatural, inciting Pietro against Mendoza.

Deception and Betrayal

Enraged by the revelation of an affair between Mendoza and Aurelia, Pietro confronts Mendoza with threats of violence. Yet, Mendoza cunningly deflects blame by suggesting that it is Ferneze, not himself, who has wronged Pietro. To prove his innocence, Mendoza encourages Pietro to catch Ferneze in Aurelia's chambers, promising that if Ferneze attempts to flee, he will be killed. As planned, Ferneze is caught, and Mendoza believes him to be dead.

Intrigue and Hidden Allies

Alone with Aurelia, Mendoza plots Pietro's murder, aiming to ascend as the duke of Genoa. Aurelia vows to use her influence to aid his cause. However, unbeknownst to them, Ferneze survives, his life saved by Altofronto, who secretly harbors him.

Manipulating Forces

With Pietro away hunting, Mendoza hires the Malcontent to eliminate the duke. Mistakenly trusting Altofronto’s apparent willingness, Mendoza unveils his grand scheme: with Pietro gone and Aurelia's support, his path to power will be clear. He plans to discard Aurelia by exposing her infidelity, then marry Maria, whose familial ties will bolster his position in Genoa.

The Double Cross

Altofronto, misled by Mendoza's lack of affection for Maria, takes comfort in the knowledge of her loyalty, as Celso had assured him. Crafting a ruse, Altofronto suggests they fabricate a story of Pietro’s suicide, driven mad by betrayal. He also offers to woo Maria on Mendoza's behalf.

The Unveiling of Intentions

Instead of killing Pietro, Altofronto reveals the conspiracy to him and provides a disguise: the hermit meant to report Pietro’s death. Pietro, in character, describes his own tragic end, lamenting Aurelia's infidelity. Convinced, Mendoza banishes Aurelia and instructs Malevole to negotiate with Maria.

The Trap is Set

Mendoza, deceived by the hermit’s act, orders him to poison Altofronto at a meal. Returning for a document granting access to Maria in the citadel, Altofronto learns of Mendoza's intention to poison the hermit.

True Loyalty Uncovered

Altofronto and the disguised Pietro encounter an exiled Aurelia, who mourns both her missteps and her love for Pietro. Altofronto comforts Pietro, reminding him of the many great men who faced similar challenges. Maria's unwavering loyalty is confirmed when she refuses Mendoza’s proposal, declaring that no matter the circumstances, Altofronto is her only husband.

The Final Scheme

Altofronto remains Mendoza’s sole obstacle, possessing critical knowledge of Mendoza’s machinations. Mendoza attempts to use two boxes, one supposedly containing sleep-inducing fumes and the other, death. Believing he has chosen the lethal option, Mendoza exposes Altofronto to the empty box, allowing Altofronto...