The White Devil

First performed onstage in 1612, The White Devil is a revenge tragedy that is loosely based on the murder of Vittoria Accoramboni in Italy in 1585. The full title of the play is The White Divel; or, The Tragedy of Paulo Giordano Ursini, Duke of Bracciano. With The Life and Death of Vittoria Corombona the famous Venetian Curtizan). The play has been performed many times but has not been adapted for film.

This guide refers to the 2014 Penguin Classics edition.

Content Warning: Both the source text and this guide contain descriptions of suicide.

Plot Summary

The play opens in Rome, where Count Lodovico has been banished from the city for his numerous crimes. Despite his wealth, his criminal enterprises have led to his exile, and he resents his misfortune. Lodovico’s friends, including the lawyer Gasparo and the courtier Antonelli, suggest that he seek clemency from Francisco de Medici, the Duke of Florence. For the moment, Lodovico remains bitter about his punishment.

Meanwhile a powerful nobleman named Bracciano is infatuated Vittoria Corombona and is determined to pursue her although she is married to a man named Camillo. Vittoria’s brother,

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