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Overview
Synopsis
Valentine, Sir Sampson's dissolute eldest son, finds himself in a tricky situation. He has fallen under the displeasure of his father through his extravagance, and is chased by creditors day and night. His father offers him enough to pay his debts if he will waiver his inheritance and sign it over to his younger brother Ben. Sir Sampson has arranged a match between Ben, who is at sea, and Miss Prue, an awkward country heiress. Seizing the chance to escape his debts, Valentine signs the bond. However, the situation gets more complex when Valentine realizes that his action may have scuppered his chances with Angelica, the wealthy young lady he is in love with. Realizing that the deal makes him financially ruined, he tries and fails to get his father to give up on the scheme. Then, out of desperation, he pretends to be mad and unable to sign the final deed. When this still does not work, his beloved Angelica intervenes. She encourages Sir Sampson to propose marriage to her so that she can get her hands on Valentine's bond. Unaware of her plans, Valentine truly believes that she is ready to marry his own father and finally agrees to sign the final paperwork. However, before he does, Angelica reveals the plot, destroys the bond, and declares her love for Valentine.
Love for Love is a madcap Restoration romp filled to the brim with lust, family quarrels, foolish disguises, and true love, which, of course, wins out at the end.
Show Information
- Book
- William Congreve
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 5
- First Produced
- 1695
- Genres
- Comedy, Farce
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- London, Seventeenth Century
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Mature Adult, Adult, Young Adult, Late Teen Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher