The White Devil

The White Devil by John Webster

The White Devil, a five-act tragedy by John Webster, performed and published as The White Divel in 1612. Based on historical events that occurred in Italy in the 1880s, this sombre Jacobean drama is considered one of the finest of the period.

The White Devil focuses on the love story between the Duke of Brachiano and Vittoria Corombona, two of the many unscrupulous characters in the work. Despite her role as a ferocious heroine, Vittoria elicits sympathy in her attempt to endure a deeply corrupt society. In The White Devil, both evil and good characters are involved in schemes involving political intrigue, adulterous desire and bloody revenge. Though its plot construction is weak, the game is known for its skillful characterizations and effective use of dramatic tension and physical horror.