'Quality Street' Summary

The play begins with the sisters Phoebe and Susan running a school for children in their home, 'Quality Street'. This is set in the context of the Napoleonic Wars, during which their neighbour, Valentine Brown, has joined the army. Phoebe, initially presented as shy and awkward, has been transformed during the war into a strong and confident woman. Ten years later, Valentine returns, now a decorated war hero, but has not changed his opinion of Phoebe, still believing her to be the timid and dependent girl he left behind. Phoebe is now determined to win him over, and begins to act in ways that he remembers her from her old self. The play then revolves around a series of hilarious and poignant events as Phoebe attempts to balance her new identity with her old feelings for Valentine, who is blind to the changes she has undergone. Ultimately, Valentine comes to realise that he is in love with the confident and independent Phoebe, and they are reunited. The play ends on a happy note, with Phoebe and Valentine finally finding their happily ever after.