Overview

Synopsis

Phillander, the dauphin of France, is in love with Erminia. She loves him in return. However, Alcippus, the newly appointed general, formally requests to marry her, and is granted permission. So begins one of the many love triangles and conflicts in Aphra Behn’s The Forc’d Marriage. In a world in which women have very little control over their fates, the ladies of the court--Erminia, Gallatea (the princess), and Aminta--do their best to protect their hearts and stay loyal to their true loves. But Erminia’s sense of duty to Phillander conflicts with her obligation to Alcippus, with nearly tragic consequences. Rounding out the French court is a colorful and romantic cast of lords and ladies, pursuing and wooing, culminating in a grand masque that celebrates love. First performed by the Duke of York’s Company at Lincoln’s Inn Fields, The Forc’d Marriage is a prime example of early Restoration tragicomedy, where the guilty are forgiven and true love wins out.

Show Information

Book
Aphra Behn
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
5
First Produced
1670
Genres
Drama
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
Renaissance France
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Mature Adult, Elderly, Young Adult, Adult, Late Teen Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Phillander

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Alcippus

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Erminia

Lead

Female

Non-singer

King of France

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Orgilious

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Gallatea

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Alcander

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Falatius

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Pisaro

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Aminta

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Cleontius

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Isillia

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Olinda

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Labree

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Lysette

Featured

Female

Non-singer

Page

Featured

Male

Countertenor, Tenor, Baritone

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

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