Super Short Summary

The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan is a comedy that centers around romantic entanglements and mistaken identities. Captain Jack Absolute pretends to be a poor ensign to win the affection of Lydia Languish, resulting in a series of misunderstandings and almost leading to a duel with Bob Acres. Lydia’s aunt, Mrs. Malaprop, adds humor with her misuse of words, and the play ultimately resolves the characters' follies in a comical finale.