INTRODUCTION
The White Devil is a sensational tale of Italianate intrigue, steamy passions, dissolute, peremptory men and determined, sensual women, murder and betrayal. It was entirely typical of Webster's times to make a desirable and strong-willed woman responsible for the moral degradation and eventual downfall of a whole series of prominent men.

(Source: Australian programme)

THE PLOT
The White Devil is loosely based on real events which were of great topical interest in Webster's time. Duke Brachiano is in love with Vittoria Corombona, but he is married to Isabella. Vittoria's ambitious brother Flamineo arranges the murder of Isabella and of Vittoria's husband Camillo, to get the rich Brachiano and Vittoria together. Brachiano and Vittoria marry and move to Padua. But the Duke of Florence, Isabella's brother, sets out for revenge.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION: Count Lodovico
As the play starts, Count Lodovico is banished from Rome for debauchery and murder, but his friends promise to work for the repeal of his sentece. Later in the play he is pardoned and as soon as he learns of the murder of Isabella - with whom he was secretly in love - he vows to avenge her death. Lodovico is the main agent of the revenge and together with Francisco de Medici (the role PQ played in the Sydney production) he belongs to the "avengers" group in the play.