Summary

Act 1

In Act 1, Scene 1, friends Delio and Antonio speak to each other after Antonio returns from France. They talk about society and corruption. Bosola and the Cardinal enter. Bosola is not happy with the Cardinal, as Bosola served time due to committing a murder for the Cardinal. Bosola feels slighted by the Cardinal, who tells Bosola that he could become honest and does not show concern for him. Bosola complains to Delio and Antonio about the Cardinal and his brother Ferdinand, Duke of Calabria. Delio and Antonio discuss what happened to Bosola after he leaves.

In Act 1, Scene 2, Ferdinand enters, inquires who won the sporting event, and laments that they are not in a real battle. Antonio is announced as the winner and Ferdinand’s ring is given to him. Ferdinand’s brother, the Cardinal, arrives. Delio and Antonio focus their conversation on the...