235
that she sleeps with him. Isabella
is distraught, but Angelo reminds
her that no one would believe her
were she to report his proposal.
Isabella visits her brother in
prison and tells him of Angelo’s
behavior. Though Claudio is
appalled, he questions her
commitment to her chastity when
his life is at stake. The disguised
Duke overhears their conversation
and ministers to each of them. He
tells Isabella that all is not lost, and
suggests a cunning solution. He
will arrange for Mariana, Angelo’s
ex-fiancée, to sleep with him under
the cover of darkness, so that
Angelo will believe he has slept
with Isabella and spare Claudio.
The Duke’s plan is successful
but Angelo is still resolved to
execute Claudio. The disguised
Duke intervenes by having the
head of a condemned prisoner sent
to Angelo in place of Claudio’s. The
Duke does not share his plan with
Isabella, leading her to believe that
her brother has been beheaded.
Vincentio stages his return to
Vienna, and praises Angelo for his
good government. Isabella accuses
Angelo of corruption; she has noTHE KING’S MAN
Act 3 Act 4 Act 5
idea that the Duke has observed
everything while in disguise.
When Mariana confirms that it
was she who slept with Angelo, the
Duke, who has returned disguised
as a friar once more, supports her
story. The Duke is unmasked
by Lucio and Angelo begs for
execution; he is surprised when
Mariana pleads to spare his life,
and Isabella joins Mariana in her
plea. The Duke grants their wish
on the condition that Angelo marry
Mariana. Having reunited Isabella
with her brother, the Duke asks for
her hand in marriage—twice! ❯❯3.1
4.1 4.3 5.1
4.3 4.4 5.1
The disguised Duke
overhears Isabella’s
accusations
against Angelo.The disguised Duke
arranges for Mariana
to sleep with Angelo in
place of Isabella.The disguised Duke
tells Isabella that
Claudio is dead.Isabella accuses
Angelo of
corruption before
the Duke.A pirate’s head is
sent to Angelo in
place of Claudio’s.News of the Duke’s
return reaches Vienna.Reprieving his initial death
sentence, the Duke marries
Angelo to Mariana.5.1
Isabella is
reunited with Claudio
and receives a marriage
proposal from the Duke.