The Alchemist

Face is the protagonist of the play, but the audience never learns which of his many personas is his real identity. His name indicates that he is an expert of disguise, as well as that his sanguine temperament leads him to be outgoing, boisterous, and persuasive. His role in the conman trio is that of a salesman, and his purpose is bringing in new customers for the group to deceive. Face’s physical appearance, body language, and speaking voice must change dramatically across his personas—a complex task for the actor portraying him—as he is not recognized by any of the other characters when he changes into the bearded Captain Face, clean-shaven Jeremy, bedraggled Ulen, or the military Captain.

Thus, Face’s ability to transform depending on the situation is his strength and defining characteristic. To Surly, he is the mastermind of a sex work operation; to Dol and Subtle, a capable companion; to Mammon, a dedicated servant; and, most importantly, to Lovewit’s neighbors, “Jeremy / Is a very honest fellow” (338). This multivalent identity means that Face is primarily a performer—a fact underscored by his employer’s appraisal of his servant’s wit as the primary reason for employing him.