The Two Gentlemen of Verona is a light romantic comedy by William Shakespeare. It was first
performed c. 1593.
The two
gentlemen of Verona, Valentine and Proteus, are friends. They both fall in love with the same woman, Silvia, the daughter of the Duke of Milan. However, the Duke wants his daughter to marry Thurio. Originally, Proteus is also contracted to Julia in Verona.
The comedy unfolds in the events of the characters. Proteus betrays Valentine to the Duke. Julia disguises herself as a boy and becomes a page to Proteus. Valentine becomes the leader of an outlaw band. Silvia is captured by robbers and rescued by Proteus. There is a display of theatrical acts provided by Launce, the servant of Proteus, who is troubled by his dog.
When the confusions are eventually straightened out, the Duke withdraws his objections of Valentine and allows him to marry Silvia, and Proteus to Julia.