comedy

Measure for Measure

c. 1603–1604

A deputy who condemns others for vice offers to spare a life — in exchange for one.

Start reading — Act 1, Scene 1 →

Scenes

Act 1

1.1 An apartment in the Duke’s palace. 1.2 A street. 1.3 A monastery. 1.4 A nunnery.

Act 2

2.1 A hall in Angelo’s house. 2.2 Another room in the same. 2.3 A room in a prison. 2.4 A room in Angelo’s house.

Act 3

3.1 A room in the prison. 3.2 The street before the prison.

Act 4

4.1 A room in Mariana’s house. 4.2 A room in the prison. 4.3 Another room in the same. 4.4 A room in Angelo’s house. 4.5 Fields without the town. 4.6 Street near the city gate.

Act 5

5.1 A public place near the city gate.

Dramatis personæ

ESCALUS an ancient Lord
PROVOST
ELBOW a simple constable
ABHORSON an executioner
A JUSTICE
VARRIUS a Gentleman, Servant to the Duke
ANGELO Deputy to the Duke
MARIANA betrothed to Angelo
BOY singer
SERVANT to Angelo
MESSENGER from Angelo
ISABELLA Sister to Claudio
FRANCISCA a nun
CLAUDIO a young Gentleman
JULIET betrothed to Claudio
LUCIO a fantastic
FRIAR THOMAS
FRIAR PETER
POMPEY Servant to Mistress Overdone
FROTH a foolish gentleman
BARNARDINE a dissolute prisoner