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British Drama

Notes has a faith in God and sense of honor, qualities which seem to be lacking in both Corvino and
Volpone. These qualities guide her toward self-control. She’s also known by her self-denial. This
makes her a perfect foil for Volpone, since her self-control exposes his complete lack thereof, no
more clearly than in Volpone’s attempted seduction of her. The turning point of the play comes
when she says “no” to Volpone’s advances, thus denying him the lecherous pleasures he describes
in his seduction speech. Celia seems willing to do anything to avoid dishonor, too ready to sacrifice
herself to be believable. Her willingness to subject herself to Corvino’s harsh dictates and abuse
may make her seem more weak than strong. But she has an inner moral sense, indicated by the fact
that she refuses Volpone against her husband’s express wishes. Jonson again chooses a name with
symbolic meaning for Celia: it derives from the Latin word caelum, meaning “sky” or “heaven.”

17.1.8 Nano

A dwarf as his name in Italian indicates (“nano” means “dwarf”) is one of the three servants whom
Volpone keeps for entertainment. He keeps Volpone amused with songs and jokes written by Mosca.
Their performances mostly involve slapstick humor, which serves as a commentary on Elizabethan
theater. They also run errands for Volpone, for instance spreading the false news that he has died.

17.1.9 Castrone

An Eunuch, one of the three servants whom Volpone keeps for entertainment, who are also, allegedly,
his illegitimate children. The only notable fact about Castrone is that his name means eunuch
(“castrone” means “eunuch” in Italian). There is not much else to say about Castrone, as he has no
speaking lines whatsoever.

17.1.10 Androgyno

“Androgyno” means “hermaphrodite” in Italian, and as in the case of Nano and Castrone, the name
rings true. He is the third of Volpone’s servant players. Androgyno apparently possesses the soul of
Pythagoras, according to Nano, which has been in gradual decline ever since it left the ancient
mathematician’s body.

17.1.11 Sir Politic Would Be

Sir Politic an English knight who resides in Venice is a traveler from England who prides himself on
knowing the ways of a gentleman. He is a know-it-all who in fact knows not very much at all. He
puts tremendous stake in his reputation and in many ways acts as a foil for Volpone. Unlike
Volpone’s, however, Sir Politic’s get-rich-quick schemes are not exploitative. Sir Politic represents
the danger of moral corruption that English travelers face when they go abroad to the continent,
especially to Italy. He occupies the central role in the subplot, which centers on the relationship
between himself and Peregrine, another English traveler much less gullible than the good knight.
Sir Politic is also imaginative, coming up with ideas for money making schemes such as using
onions to detect the plague, as well as the idea of making a detailed note of every single action he
performs in his diary, including his urinations.

17.1.12 Peregrine

A young gentleman English traveller who meets and befriends Sir Politic Would- be upon arriving
in Venice. Like Sir Politic, Peregrine is a visitor from England who thus serves to connect the storyline
to Jonson’s home country. He is amused by the gullible Would-be, but is also easily offended, as

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