The Orphan: Or, The Unhappy Marriage: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Orphan: Or, The Unhappy Marriage" is a dramatic work that explores the tragic consequences of love, deception, and familial duty through its complex characters. Central to the narrative is Monimia, an orphan and ward of nobleman Acasto, who navigates a web of emotions and loyalties. She harbors genuine love for Castalio, one of Acasto’s twin sons, with whom she secretly marries. However, her life takes a tragic turn when she is unknowingly deceived into spending a night with his less scrupulous brother, Polydore. Castalio learns of this betrayal only after Monimia, overwhelmed by guilt, takes her own life. The story culminates in further tragedy as Castalio, heartbroken by the loss of his wife, ends his own life, followed by Polydore, who is consumed by remorse for his actions. Other important characters include Acasto, the noble guardian, and Chamont, Monimia's impetuous brother, adding depth to the narrative's exploration of family and honor. This interplay of love and misfortune highlights the profound emotional struggles faced by each character, ultimately leading to a somber conclusion.
The Orphan: Or, The Unhappy Marriage: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Thomas Otway
First published: 1680
Genre: Play
Locale: Bohemia
Plot: Domestic
Time: Seventeenth century
Monimia (moh-NEE-mee-ah), an orphan. A ward of Acasto, she is loved by his twin sons Polydore and Castalio. She genuinely loves only Castalio. She secretly marries Castalio but is deceived into spending the night with Polydore. Filled with remorse for having deceived her husband with his brother, even though unknowingly, she finally poisons herself and dies, a victim of circumstances.
Castalio (kas-TAY-lee-oh), the overscrupulous twin son of Acasto. Minimizing his own passion for Monimia to be fair to his brother Polydore, he encourages his brother's less scrupulous pursuit of the lady. After Castalio secretly marries Monimia, Polydore, ignorant of the marriage, tricks the bride into spending the night with him. When Castalio learns the truth of the affair and that his wife is dead by her own hand, he stabs himself and dies.
Polydore (PAW-lee-dohr), Acasto's less scrupulous twin son. Ignorant of his brother's secret marriage to Monimia, he tricks her into spending the night with him. When he learns that he has deceived his brother's wife, he is filled with such horror and remorse that he contrives to die by Castalio's sword.
Acasto (ah-KAS-toh), a nobleman, the father of Castalio and Polydore, and Monimia's guardian.
Chamont (SHAY-mont), a young soldier, the impetuous brother of Monimia.
Serina (seh-REE-nah), Acasto's daughter.