The Revenger's Tragedy is an English-language Jacobean revenge tragedy which was performed in 1606, and published in 1607 by George Eld. It was long attributed to Cyril Tourneur, but "The consensus candidate for authorship of The Revenger’s Tragedy at present is Thomas Middleton, although this is a knotty issue that is far from settled." A vivid and often violent portrayal of lust and ambition in an Italian court, the play typifies the satiric tone and cynicism common in many Jacobean tragedies. The play fell out of favour before the restoration of the theaters in 1660; however, it experienced a revival in the 20th century among directors and playgoers who appreciated its affinity with the temper of modern times. Characters Vindice, the revenger, frequently disguised as Piato (both the 1607 and 1608 printings render his name variously as Vendici, Vindic, and Vindice, with the latter spelling most frequent; in later literature Vendice). Hippolito, Vindice's brother, sometimes called Carlo Castiza, their sister Gratiana, a widow, and mother of Vindice, Hippolito, and Castiza The Duke The Duchess, the duke's second wife Lussurioso, the duke's son from an earlier marriage, and his heir Spurio, the duke's second son, a bastard Ambitioso, the duchess's eldest son Supervacuo, the duchess's middle son Junior Brother, the duchess's third son Antonio, a discontented lord at the Duke's court Antonio's wife, raped by Junior Brother Piero, a discontented lord at the Duke's court Nobles, allies of Lussurioso Lords, followers of Antonio The Duke's gentlemen Two Judges Spurio's two Servants Four Officers A Prison-Keeper Dondolo, Castiza's servant Nencio and Sordido, Lussurioso's servants Ambitioso's henchman Synopsis The play is set in an unnamed Italian court. Act I Vindice broods over his fiancee's recent death and his desire for revenge on the lustful Duke for poisoning his beloved nine years before. Vindice's brother Hippolito brings news: Lussurioso, the Duke's heir by his first marriage, has asked him if he can find a procurer to obtain a young virgin he lusts after. The brothers decide that Vindice will undertake this role in disguise, to give an opportunity for their revenge. Meanwhile, Lord Antonio's wife has been raped by the new Duchess's youngest son Junior. He brazenly admits his guilt, even joking about it, but to widespread surprise the Duke suspends the proceedings and defers the court's judgement. The Duchess's other sons, Ambitioso and Supervacuo, whisper a promise to have him freed; the Duchess