Giovanni Altofronto

Giovanni Altofronto (jee-oh-VAHN-nee AHL-toh-FROHN-toh), the rightful but deposed duke of Genoa, adopts the guise of Malevole (mah-LEH-voh-leh), the Malcontent. In this disguise, he freely expresses disdain towards the debauched courtiers and ladies surrounding him, all the while internally mourning the circumstances that have necessitated his disguise. His assumed eccentricity allows him to uncover the court's intrigues, ultimately facilitating the restoration of his dukedom.

Celso

Celso (CHEHL-soh), a loyal friend of Altofronto, operates as a covert informant within the court of the usurper, providing crucial intelligence to Giovanni.

Pietro Jacomo

Pietro Jacomo (pee-EH-troh JAH-coh-moh) serves as the usurping duke. His excessive fondness for his unfaithful young wife and his indulgence of his adopted heir, Mendoza, make him blind to their betrayal. It is through Malevole’s revelations that Pietro learns of their treachery, leading him to seek vengeance for his dishonor. Enlightened by his newfound understanding of human nature, he willingly restores the dukedom to its rightful owner, Giovanni Altofronto.

Mendoza

Mendoza (mehn-DOH-zah) is the ambitious protégé of Pietro Jacomo and the lover of the duchess. His relentless ambition drives him to devise schemes to eliminate all obstacles in his path to the dukedom. However, his unscrupulous plans are thwarted by Malevole's strategic interventions.

Ferneze

Ferneze (fehr-NEH-zay) is a charming yet unscrupulous courtier, known for being a rival to Mendoza in vying for the duchess’ affections.

Aurelia

Aurelia (ah-ew-REH-lee-ah), the youthful wife of Pietro Jacomo, falls into the arms of both Mendoza and Ferneze. Her remorse sets in when she believes her husband has taken his own life, leading to a heartfelt reunion after Malevole exposes Mendoza's deceit.

Maria

Maria is the devoted wife of Giovanni Altofronto. Her steadfast virtue is evident as she resolutely rejects Mendoza’s propositions, prioritizing loyalty to her husband above all else.

Bilioso

Bilioso (bee-lee-OH-soh) is portrayed as a gullible elder statesman, frequently misled by his younger wife's antics. Malevole mocks his tendency to switch allegiances with each new contender for the dukedom.

Maquerelle

Maquerelle (mah-kew-REHL-lay), the elderly lady-in-waiting to Aurelia, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the duchess and her entourage's extramarital endeavors.

Emilia

Emilia, serving as one of the duchess’ attendants, aids in the orchestration of courtly affairs and intrigues.

Biancha

Biancha (BEE-ahn-kah), another attendant of the duchess, is similarly involved in supporting the clandestine activities within the court.