Duke of Milan

Play

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

Summary

The Duke of Milan is Silvia's father and the play's chief authority figure. He favors the shallow Thurio as a match for his daughter and banishes Valentine when Proteus reveals the elopement plan. His opposition to Valentine is an obstacle rather than a villainy — once Valentine has proved his worth in the forest, the Duke blesses the match and pardons the outlaws, fulfilling the comic pattern of paternal acceptance.

Notable Quotations

"Thou art a gentleman, and well derived; / Take thou thy Silvia, for thou hast deserved her." *(5.4)*

Cross-references

• The Two Gentlemen of Verona — the play
• Comedies
• character_silvia — his daughter
• character_valentine — whom he banishes and later blesses
• character_proteus — who betrays Valentine to him