The Rivals: A Comedy

"The Rivals: A Comedy" by Richard Brinsley Sheridan is a comedy of manners first performed in 1775. Set in fashionable Bath, the play follows young Jack Absolute who disguises himself as a poor soldier to win the heart of Lydia Languish, a wealthy heiress infatuated with romantic novels. Complications arise from Lydia's word-mangling guardian Mrs. Malaprop, rival suitors, and misdelivered love letters, leading to misunderstandings, quarrels, and an impending duel that threatens to expose Jack's deception.

Summary written by Project Gutenberg, by machine.