The Rivals

The Rivals – is an 18th-century comedy of manners written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, featuring an edition edited with an introduction and notes by Thomas Balston (often cited as T. Balston). The play centers on the romantic complications of Lydia Languish, who desires a purely sentimental marriage to a poor man. Her suitor, Captain Jack Absolute, pretends to be a humble ensign named “Beverley” to win her heart, while various “rivals” and interfering parents—such as Sir Anthony Absolute and Mrs. Malaprop—create a web of misunderstandings. Major themes include social class, the absurdity of romantic sentimentality, and parental control.