The Orphan; Or, The Unhappy Marriage. A Tragedy, in Five Acts

by Thomas Otway

"The Orphan; Or, The Unhappy Marriage" by Thomas Otway is a domestic tragedy written in 1680. Two brothers, Castalio and Polydore, both fall in love with Monimia, their father's young ward. When Castalio secretly marries her, Polydore overhears their plans and deceives his way into the wedding night using the arranged signal. The devastating discovery that follows sets all three on a path toward destruction. Written in blank verse, this play made Otway famous and remained popular on stage for nearly two centuries.