An Essay on the Dramatic Character of Sir John Falstaff

by Maurice Morgann

A sharp, thoughtful look at Falstaff’s courage and character as framed by Shakespeare.

This essay surveys how a famous comic figure is built from action, speech, and moral tension, offering a careful, evidence-based reading that invites readers to weigh motive, honor, and humanity.

This edition frames the discussion around a pivotal moment in the drama and extends its reach to the larger portrait of the man and the art that creates him. It blends close analysis with reflections on how the playwright shapes perception and how later readers should approach the work with fairness and curiosity. A detailed examination of Falstaff’s early boldness and later behavior in key scenes. Discussion of how Shakespeare’s craft makes the character funny yet complex and morally charged. Attention to how evidence from the play supports or challenges charges of conduct and courage. Connections to broader ideas about human nature and the drama’s purpose in shaping judgment. Ideal for readers of Shakespeare criticism and drama who want a thoughtful, disciplined look at character, motive, and the craft of tragedy and comedy.

Genres: Nonfiction, Literary Criticism, Essays, Classics

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1777

About the author

Maurice Morgann (1725-1802) was a colonial administrator and Shakespearean literary scholar. He is best known for An Essay on the Dramatic Character of Sir John Falstaff.

Reviews

[Ian Banks]

This was a lot of fun: Shakespeare’s Falstaff has long been considered one of the premier comic figures in all his plays. Mr Morgan takes the viewpoint that he is actually a lot braver and heroic than the plays suggest and backs it up with evidence from the scripts. If you like this sort of reevaluation of fictional characters, this should be right up your alley.

[Daniel Wright]

Fun, frivolous and facetious. Morgann's Wikipedia page has a good summary of the content and context.

Read online here: https://archive.org/stream/essayondra...