Richard Brinsley Sheridan: The Rivals - Plot Summary Preface

The Rivals | Plot Summary
Preface
In his preface Richard Brinsley Sheridan addresses issues such as the play's length, his revision of it,
the use of puns and innuendo, and the characterization of Sir Lucius O'Trigger.
Prologue 1
Two male actors impersonate legal figures—an attorney and a serjeant-at-law. The main point is to
secure a favorable "verdict" for the play.
Prologue 2
The speaker identifies herself with the Muse of Comedy, contrasting "laughing comedy" with
"sentimental comedy."
Act 1
In Scene 1 the servants Fag and Thomas meet on a street in Bath, England. Fag tells Thomas
that Captain Jack Absolute has assumed another identity, that of Ensign Beverley, so that he may
carry on his courtship of the young heiress Lydia Languish.
In Scene 2 Lydia Languish discusses novels with her maid Lucy. Lydia's cousin Julia Melville comes to
call. It develops that both young ladies are involved in problematic courtships. Mrs. Malaprop,
Lydia's aunt, and Sir Anthony Absolute, Julia's guardian, duly appear. Both are authoritarian figures
who will brook no disobedience in the young.
Act 2
Faulkland and Captain Jack Absolute discuss Faulkland's courtship of Julia. Bob Acres, a social-
climbing bumpkin, arrives. When Faulkland exits, Acres preens himself on his new hairstyle and his
fashionable use of new swear words. Sir Anthony enters to inform his son that he is prepared to
settle a substantial inheritance on him, provided that Jack will obey his wishes as to his choice of
wife. Jack hesitates, enraging his father.
In Scene 2, Lucy, the maid, prepares to deliver another letter to Sir Lucius O'Trigger. Supposedly from
"Delia" (who Sir Lucius thinks is Lydia), the letter is actually from Mrs. Malaprop.
Act 3
Jack Absolute exclaims that his father, Sir Anthony, is pressuring him to marry the very same girl he
is already in love with. Sir Anthony enters blustering to his son about the charms and virtues of Lydia
Languish, while Jack remains ostensibly noncommittal. Sir Anthony exits in a froth.
In Scene 2, Faulkland confronts Julia with his fears and insecurity. Too late, Faulkland realizes how
inconsiderate he has been.
Jack and Mrs. Malaprop confer together in Scene 3. Mrs. Malaprop shows Jack a letter purportedly
sent by Ensign Beverley to Lydia (but actually written by Jack) and diverted by Lucy into Mrs.
Malaprop's hands.
In Scene 4, Bob Acres preens in front of the servant David. Sir Lucius O'Trigger enters and urges
Acres to challenge "Ensign Beverley" to a duel.
Act 4
Having issued his challenge, Bob Acres needs moral support. David tries to dissuade Acres from
going through with the duel.
Scene 2 features a showdown involving the Absolutes, father and son, as well as Mrs. Malaprop and
Lydia. Jack attempts to wriggle out of his unmasking, but his attempts at evasion are finally in vain.
Lydia is unhappy that her illusions about Beverley have been punctured and that there will be no
elopement with a humble suitor.
In Scene 3, Sir Lucius O'Trigger quarrels with Jack, and they agree to a duel. Jack now encounters
Faulkland, who complicates matters by once again planning to test Julia's affections.
Act 5
In Scene 1, Faulkland attempts to project his own ruse with Julia: a sudden necessity to leave the
country. Trusting as ever, Julia agrees unhesitatingly to accompany him. But soon it becomes
apparent that Faulkland is merely testing Julia yet again. Julia is appalled by this new "probation" of
her "sincerity," and she departs in sorrow and annoyance.
In Scene 2, Sir Anthony encounters his son. Captain Jack attempts to conceal the sword he has
brought for dueling. When Sir Anthony unmasks his son's disguise, Jack pacifies him with a false
story about committing suicide if Lydia will not accept him.
In Scene 3, Sir Lucius and Bob Acres enter with pistols. They comically measure out the ground for
shooting distance. After a chaotic confusion of identities, which also involves Jack and Faulkland, all
is sorted out, and the couples bridge their differences, leading to nuptials and a happy ending.
Epilogue
The speaker, the actress who plays Julia Melville, highlights the central role of women in society. She
supports her claim with a number of specific examples.

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The Rivals | Plot Summary

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