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The Good Natur'd Man

Play

Overview

Synopsis

The exceedingly generous Mr. Honeywood has squandered half his fortune helping others. His servants steal from him, save for his loyal butler. His so-called friends take advantage of him. The only true friend he has also happens to be his romantic interest: Miss Richland. Miss Richland’s guardian is determined to marry her to his son, Leontine, but Leontine is in love with Olivia. Schemes fall apart, and misunderstandings abound as Honeywood’s uncle sets out to teach him a lesson, and Leontine and Olivia attempt to flee to Scotland.

Equal parts romantic comedy and farce, this ensemble comedy is a send-up of sentimental dramas and questions true generosity versus superficial politeness.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
5
First Produced
1768
Genres
Comedy, Satire
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Young Honeywood’s House, Croaker’s House, and an inn. London.
Cast Size
large
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters, Large Cast

Characters

Showing 8 of 17 characters

Character Portrayals

See StageAgent members who have performed roles in The Good Natur'd Man.

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Monologues

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

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

    A dramatic device where a character speaks directly to the audience or to themselves, unheard by other characters onstage.

    Farce is a comedic style that emphasizes exaggerated situations, improbable coincidences, mistaken identities, and rapid pacing. It often includes physical humor such as slamming doors, frantic chases, or characters hiding in plain sight. Farce is designed to generate nonstop laughter, often prioritizing chaos and absurdity over realistic storytelling.

    An extended speech delivered by a single character, either to another character or the audience. Monologues are used for character development and to reveal inner thoughts.

    Works not protected by copyright and available for free use or adaptation. Many classical plays, including Shakespeare's, fall into the public domain.

    Satire is a dramatic style that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize human behavior, social institutions, or political systems. In theatre, it highlights flaws and hypocrisies through wit and parody, encouraging audiences to laugh while also reflecting on serious issues. Satire can range from lighthearted comedy to biting social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

    A genre that blends humor with moral themes and emotional appeal, popular in the 18th century as a reaction against bawdy Restoration comedy.

    Stage combat is the carefully choreographed portrayal of physical conflict on stage, designed to look realistic while ensuring performer safety. It can include punches, slaps, falls, swordplay, or other forms of combat, all rehearsed under strict guidelines. The goal is to enhance dramatic storytelling without causing actual harm to the actors.

Quizzes

Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright