The Coxcomb: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Coxcomb" is a dramatic work that features a cast of characters whose interactions reveal themes of infidelity, deception, and redemption. Central to the narrative is Antonio, who embodies a foolish and self-absorbed archetype, determined to maintain the façade of friendship while pursuing his own selfish motivations. His wife, Maria, is portrayed as beautiful yet cunning; she consistently sees through Antonio's disguises and ultimately takes matters into her own hands, leading to her betrayal. Mercury, Antonio's naive companion, grapples with his feelings for Maria, initially resisting temptation but ultimately succumbing to an affair that leaves him disenchanted.
Another significant character is Viola, a virtuous young woman who escapes an abusive relationship with her fiancé, Ricardo. His drunken behavior on their wedding night compels her to flee, but after she witnesses his genuine remorse, she finds it in her heart to forgive him. Ricardo’s journey of repentance is intertwined with Valerio, a married man who complicates Viola's situation by expressing unwanted affection while assisting Ricardo in his quest to reunite with Viola. Together, these characters navigate a landscape of folly and redemption, making "The Coxcomb" an exploration of the complexities of human relationships and moral dilemmas.
The Coxcomb: Analysis of Major Characters
Authors: John Fletcher and Francis Beaumont
First published: 1647
Genre: Play
Locale: England and France
Plot: Comedy
Time: Early seventeenth century
Antonio, the coxcomb, a ridiculous parody of the conventional friend. He insists that his traveling companion, Mercury, visit his home. Finding that Mercury is infatuated with his wife, he decides to become immortal as a famous friend. He appears in various disguises attempting to persuade Maria to commit adultery with Mercury.
Maria, Antonio's beautiful but heartless wife. She sees through Antonio's disguises and thwarts him several times, finally having the disguised Antonio accused of murdering the real Antonio. At last, she becomes so irritated with him that she commits adultery with Mercury.
Mercury, Antonio's traveling companion. Overwhelmed with Antonio's fatuous friendship and horrified at his own passion for Maria, he strives to avoid temptation, but Maria breaks down his resistance. After the adulterous affair, he loses interest in her.
Viola, a lovely and virtuous young girl. After running away from home to marry Ricardo, she finds him drunk, rowdy, and dangerous. Fleeing from him, she suffers various perils and hardships. Moved to tenderness by his repentance, she forgives him and consents to marry him.
Ricardo, Viola's sweetheart. On his proposed wedding night, he is drunk and mistakes Viola for a harlot, terrifying her into flight. Repentant, he devotes himself to finding her. When he does find her as a servant of Mercury's mother, he confesses his unworthiness and begs forgiveness.
Valerio, a married man who befriends Viola but attempts to make her his mistress. Ricardo persuades him to help in her discovery.