Lodovico & Marcello

Lodovico & Marcello

1. Lodovico

   • Parallel character to Flamineo - ruined nobleman, malcontent and Francisco's henchman
   • His own story is peripheral to the plot, but his actions are central
     • Play opens and closes with him
   • Character revealed - committed "Certain murders here in Rome / Bloody and full of horror"
     • Dismisses them as "flea-bitings"
   • Shares Flamineo's ability to judge character
     • Ironically passing judgement on Flamineo as one of "these rogues that are most weary of their lives"
   • Motivation for avenging Isabella's death complicated by his feelings for her
     • "I did love Brachiano's duchess dearly; / or rather I pursued her with hot lust"
   • When told by Monticelso revenge is "damnable" he appears wiling to "give it o'er"
     • Only reconsiders when he receives money, believing it to be from Moticelso
   • Serves Francisco loyally, even insisting he leave Padua before the murders
     • "My Lord, leave the city / Or I'll forswear the murders"
   • Enacts violent bloody revenge and is unrepentant
     • Relishes in the artistic effects of his work
       • "I do glory that I can call this act mine own"

2. Marcello

   • Brother of Flamineo and Vittoria
   • Whilst Flamineo represents the character type 'melancholic', Marcello represents 'Choleric'
     • Excess of yellow bile, signifying easily angered and bad-tempered
   • Serves Francisco, and although poorly rewarded for his service, does not share Flamineo's discontent
   • Is the voice of conventional morality
     • Frowns on relationship between V & B
       • "I would my dagger's point had cleft her heart / When she first saw Brachiano"
       • Seems to overcome his feelings of relationship enough to attend wedding
   • Strength of dislike for Zanche - based on colour or fear of interracial marriage?
     • CONTEXT: Interracial marriages were seen as unnatural
     • Threats to cut her throat and kicking her in public show unpleasant side to his nature
       • "If I take her near you I'll cut her throat"
   • Due to fight duel with Flamineo, but F kills him
     • Causes Cornelia to lose her mind