Character Analysis: The Contrast

The Contrast is the first play both written and performed by the newly made Americans following independence, including a host of characters that are both amusing and relatable. The show introduces the audience to two very different sorts of characters. One half of the characters, like Billy and Charlotte, are very outspoken and unreserved. While the other half are characters like Maria, who are more focused on fulfilling their duties and doing what they believe to be honorable. The Contrast never directly claims which characters are more like “true Americans,” instead, it creates a story that inclines the audience to pick sides between fun and boring, wild and good. Through the contrast between personalities of characters and the dichotomous

The characters in this play all seem to have a very clear sense of self that either allows them to do as they wish or holds them to a high standard, restricting their desires. It is left for the audience to decide which of those things is preferable. For instance, Maria, while her heart lies with Colonel Manly, she chooses to remain true to her engagement. Whereas her fiance, Billy desires two other women and allows himself to have both with seemingly no sense of guilt. Charlotte and Letitia are both considered as friends by Maria, and yet they are both involved with her fiance as if their friendship with Maria meant nothing to them. Very quickly after Maria meets Colonel Manly the stark contrast in the personalities of characters becomes readily apparent. It becomes unambiguous that Billy, Charlotte, Letitia, and Jessamy consider themselves to be refined and enjoy drama and expensive clothes and money. Meanwhile Colonel Manly, Maria, Van Rough, and Jonathan are more well known for their virtue and hard work. Colonel Manly and Billy are obvious opposites and have very different ideals from each other, however almost equally as contrasting are Charlotte and Letitia to Van Rough. Van Rough is early on described as a man

Billy flaunts a flagrant disregard for women, believing he may have as many as he would like to meet his own needs. He tells each of these women what he believes they want to hear, leaving them to fawn over him while he does very little for any of them. Colonel Manly on the other hand takes time to patiently listen to Maria and discuss things that matter to her, wanting to know her more and putting her first. He is gentle and kind to her, where Billy, her fiance, was at best disinterested. It seems that Colonel Manly treats women respectfully and is more interested in love when Billy uses women for his personal gain. Charlotte and Letitia are well aware that they are not the only woman in Billy’s life and do not seem to be bother. Maria on the other hand values loyalty, and despite her feelings for Manly, she stays true to the man she is engaged to, despite the fact that he has become lackluster to her. Maria reads romance novels, longing for a happy life full of love while her friends read magazines and long for the latest fashion. The two sets of characters could not view the value and purpose of relationships any more