Francisco & Monticelso

Francisco & Monticelso

1. Francisco

   • Brother of Isabella
     • Takes Isabella's side and accuses Brachiano
     • But when Isabella publicly divorces Brac, he turns against her, blaming her for failing to achieve reconciliation
       • "Now by my birth you are a foolish, mad / and jealous woman"
   • Is the perfect embodiment of the Renaissance Prince
     • Clever, sophisticated, ruthless and a "Machiavellian"
       • Machiavellian - Ruthless cunning
   • Plots with Monticelso to keep Camillo out of the way for the affair to become public
     • "His absence will give violent way to Duke Brachiano's lust"
   • Is at Vittoria's Arraignment - Dismisses lawyer
     • Points out improbability of accidental death
       • "Mark each circumstance" - note the unlikely circumstances
     • Acknowledges there is not enough evidence
       • "No sound proof who did it"
   • Appears genuinely moved on learning of Isabella's death
     • "Believe me I am nothing but her grave"
   • Rejects Monticelso's ideas of revenge
     • "Shall I defy him and impose a war / most burdensome on my poor subjects"
     • Difference between him and Brachiano, who jumps to violence without regard to subjects suffering
     • Rejects publicly undermining him, although he keeps the "black book"
   • Own revenge ideas, but not as ally of Monticelso
     • Revenge inspired by Isabella's ghost
     • Love-letter has desired effect of making Brachiano jealous and wish to marry Vittoria
       • Then disguises himself as Mulinassar and accepted by Brachiano's court - fine acting abilities
         • Hired Lodovico and Gasparo to implement Vittoria and Brachiano's deaths
   • Departs before end
     • "Princes give rewards with their own hands, / But death of punishment by the hands of others"
       • Suggests his power puts him beyond the law and his influence will live on - in nephew Giovanni

2. Monticelso

   • Camillo's uncle
     • Happy to risk Camillo's life sending him to capture pirates, so he can expose B & V
       • "For my revenge I'd stake a brother's life"
   • Corrupt, scheming cleric
     • Bible specifically prohibits acts of revenge
   • Presides over Vittoria's Arraignment
     • Abuses power/position acting as accuser and judge
       • Accuses her of immorality and involvement in Camillo's death
     • Angry tone throughout casts in negative light
       • Described as "too bitter"
       • Seems obsessed with her sexual attractions
   • Other main candidate for title of "White Devil"
     • As Pope is clothed in white
       • But acts do not reflect his religious office
   • Represents corruption of Catholic Church
     • Criticism of Catholic Clergy was conventional in early drama after the Reformation
     • Elevated to Pope without proper election
     • First act on taking office is private act of vengeance by excommunicating B & V
       • Irony after preaching about forgiveness of sins
         • Speech in Latin emphasises his religious power and respect
   • Possession of "black book" full of malefactors
   • Persuades Lodovico to refrain from murder
     • "Dos't thou imagine thou canst slide on blood / And not be tainted with a shameful fall?"
     • Questionable sincerity?
       • Has the holiness of his office made him understand the significance of his actions?
     • Or is he a hypocrite - a "white devil"
       • Embodying a religious paradox - a corrupt human who can deliver God's message