Scent of a Woman: The Rover

Aphra Behn created various, intricate characters in her play, The Rover. Immediately, the reader might conclude that this story tells the tale of The Banished Cavaliers, the alternate title of the play. However, with a lot of textual support, Behn’s story revolves around the famous courtesan, Angellica Bianca. If the reader looks carefully, all key actions within The Rover depend on the main character, Angellica Bianca. Although she does not appear until Act II …

…that lady more” (Act III, scene i). Throughout the play, Angellica Bianca and Helena continue to collect information about the other. Even though the title of Behn’s play, The Rover, might lead to the conclusion that the story is about Willmore, the title character, it is obvious that this play is not his story. However, this play tells the story of a courtesan and her beauty that caused a world of dispute and conflict.