'Adelphi: or, The Brothers' Summary

Micio and Demea are two Athenian brothers with very different approaches to life. Micio is a wealthy bachelor who enjoys the finer things in life, while Demea is a frugal farmer who is constantly worried about money. Micio has adopted his nephew Aeschinus, the son of Demea, and has raised him as his own. Aeschinus has grown into a responsible young man, but he is secretly in love with a young woman named Pamphila, who is the daughter of a poor widow. Demea has two sons of his own, Ctesipho and Syrus. Ctesipho is a wild and irresponsible young man who is always getting into trouble, while Syrus is a cunning slave who is always looking for a way to make a quick buck. When Ctesipho falls in love with a young woman named Bacchis, he enlists the help of Syrus to abduct her. The abduction goes awry, and Ctesipho is arrested. Demea is furious, and he demands that Micio punish Aeschinus for his role in the affair. Micio is reluctant to do so, but he eventually agrees. Aeschinus is sentenced to exile, and he leaves Athens with a heavy heart. After Aeschinus's departure, Micio and Demea begin to realize that they have been too harsh on their sons. They eventually reconcile, and they agree to work together to help Aeschinus and Ctesipho get their lives back on track.