First published 2021
A duke steps away from ruling his city-state and gives Angelo authority to enforce the laws strictly. Angelo immediately targets Claudio, sentencing him to death for getting Juliet pregnant before marriage. Isabella, Claudio's sister, is about to enter a convent when she learns of her brother's fate. She goes to Angelo to beg for Claudio's life. Angelo sees an opportunity and propositions her: he will spare Claudio if Isabella sleeps with him. Isabella refuses, choosing to preserve her chastity over her brother's life. The duke has been watching these events unfold while disguised among his subjects. He overhears Isabella telling Claudio about Angelo's corrupt demand. The duke then approaches Isabella and proposes they work together to bring down Angelo. The play forces each character to weigh personal desires against moral duties, creating conflicts that tear at family bonds and expose the abuse of power.
Genres: fiction, drama, literary-fiction, shakespeare
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, moral-dilemma
Setting: City-State
Period: Unspecified
416 pages · Paperback · Independently published
Content warnings: abuse