The story in one page
Valentine heads to Milan for worldly experience, leaving his friend Proteus behind with a girlfriend named Julia. Once Proteus arrives, he ignores his previous vows, falls instantly for Valentine's love interest, Silvia, and informs her father of their plans to elope. Valentine gets exiled for his trouble, while Julia dons men's clothes to serve as a page for the man who abandoned her. Eventually, everyone converges in a forest outside the city. After a series of betrayals, apologies, and mistaken identities, the group sorts through the chaos to reach a messy resolution.
Who's who
- Valentine
An earnest traveler who quickly finds himself exiled from court.
- Proteus
A self-interested friend prone to rapid, unprincipled emotional pivots.
- Julia
A discarded lover who disguises her identity to tail Proteus.
- Silvia
A high-ranking target of affection kept in a literal tower.
What it's really about
- Friendship
- Tested, failed, and then quickly forgiven by everyone.
- Disguise
- A change of clothes hides a woman's true identity.
Why it's memorable
- A servant attempts to train a dog that refuses to behave.
- A disguised woman watches her lover woo a new woman.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Proteus repents his betrayal, Valentine grants him forgiveness, and Julia drops her disguise to reveal herself to her fickle suitor. Proteus returns to Julia, and the Duke permits the marriage of Valentine and Silvia.
For your book club
- Why is the dog the most competent character?
- Is Milan the worst place for friendship?