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Overview

Synopsis

Ben Jonson’s Every Man in His Humour is a biting satire against London society decorum. Young city gallants Edward Knowell, Wellbred, and Master Stephen jaunt through the city, visiting the houses of Cob and Master Kitely. While Wellbred and Stephen are most interested in amusements to pass the time, Edward is in love with Kitely’s sister Bridget--and enlists Wellbred’s help to woo her. At the same time, Edward’s father Old Knowell is worried about his son’s interest in poetry, so decides to spy on the young man. At Cob’s house, lodger Captain Bobadil mentors country lad Mathew in swordsmanship (even though Bobadil himself is naturally a coward). Wellbred’s half-brother Squire Downright antagonizes those around him. And on top of it all, the crafty servant Brainworm disguises himself to spy on just about everyone. As a “comedy of humours,” characters are dominated by a singular trait, whether jealousy, melancholy, or overall good humour. Full of family bickering, marital squabbles, and some poetry recitations, Every Man in His Humour is an early example of Renaissance city comedy.

Show Information

Book
Ben Jonson
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
5
First Produced
1598
Genres
Comedy, Satire
Settings
Multiple Settings, Period
Time & Place
London, 1590s
Cast Size
large
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
College/University, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Community Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Mature Adult, Young Adult, Adult, Late Teen Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Old Knowell

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Edward Knowell

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Brainworm

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Wellbred

Lead

Male

Non-singer

George Downright

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Kitely

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Dame Kitely

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Captain Bobadil

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Master Stephen

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Master Mathew

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Thomas Cash

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Oliver Cob

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Tib

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Justice Clement

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Roger Formal

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Bridget

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Songs

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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

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

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Quizzes

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress