'Constant Couple' Summary

The play centers on Sir Harry Wildair, a dashing but impecunious gentleman, who seeks to win the hand of the wealthy widow, Lady Lurewell. His efforts are complicated by his extravagant lifestyle and his pursuit of other women. His antics are contrasted with the more grounded characters of Colonel Standard, a man seeking a suitable wife, and Angelica, a young woman seeking financial security. The play's plot unfolds through a series of clever twists and turns, involving mistaken identities, stolen letters, and elaborate schemes. As the characters navigate the complexities of love, money, and social expectations, the play provides a humorous and insightful critique of the social hierarchy and moral standards of the time. Sir Harry's relentless pursuit of pleasure and Lady Lurewell's cunning manipulations highlight the shallowness of the upper class, while the more virtuous characters struggle to find love and respect in a world governed by appearances and fortune. The play ultimately suggests that true love and happiness are achievable, but only through honesty and genuine affection, rather than deceit and self-interest.