Character analysis of the rivals

An entitled aristocrat masquerading as a poor but honest ensign for the purpose of wooing the romantic Lydia Languish. He is dogged in his determination to win Lydia's hand, and he has a playful approach to their courtship.

Eventually, when the truth comes out, Lydia is angry with Jack, but he continues to fight for her affections nonetheless.

Lydia is a 17-year-old noblewoman inclined to fantasy, whose views on love are shaped mainly by dramatic sentimental novels.

Character analysis of the rivals

As a result, she believes that the pinnacle of romance is wrapped up in a life of poverty, and wants to forfeit her inheritance to be with a poor man. She falls in love with such a man when she meets Ensign Beverley, but little does she know that he is actually the equally noble Jack Absolute.

Jack's conservative, traditionalist father, Sir Anthony, is firm in his belief that he has the right to choose whom his son will marry.

He is strict and authoritarian, and seems to care more about his influence than about the act