The Two Gentlemen of Verona

Roles

• Proteus - Teenager (13-19), Young Adult (20-35), Male

About this piece

Proteus decides to pursue Silvia and betray Julia and Valentine

Summary

The play is about two childhood friends from Verona, Valentine and Proteus. In the beginning of the story Valentine leaves Verona for the Duke's court in Milan. There he falls in love with the Duke's daughter, Silvia, and has to compete with another suitor, Thurio. Proteus remains in Verona because of his love for Julia. Proteus' father, Antonio, eventually decides to send his son to the Duke of Milan's court to join Valentine. Reluctantly, Proteus accepts his father's will and leaves with his servant Launce. As soon as he arrives in Milan he is introduced to Silvia by Valentine and he falls in love with her. Valentine tells Proteus that he plans to elope the same night with Silvia. In this monologue, in ACT II, Scene 6, Proteus tries to make up his mind whether he should pursue his love for Silvia. If he did, he would have to betray his lover Julia and his good friend Valentine. He then decides that he will pursue her and will tell the Duke about Valentine's plan to elope with his daughter. He then will get rid of Thurio and will be the only one left for Silvia.

Tone

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