Love for Love

Play

Writers: William Congreve

Overview

Show Information

Category
Play
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
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes mature adult, adult, young adult, late teen characters

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.

Lead Characters


Love for Love guide sections