All's Well That Ends Well

Helen is the protagonist of the play, and her desire for Bertram drives the plot of the narrative. Through her character, the play examines the role and expectations of women and the character traits and behavior they may display. She is the daughter of the recently deceased Gerard de Narbon, a renowned physician, but she and her family are “gentlefolk,” not nobility. Her father’s reputation spread among the aristocracy, and Helen grew up with the Count’s family, including Bertram. Their status differential is a potential obstacle to a marriage, despite their family connections. The opening Act shows Helen’s character changing quite dramatically. The first two scenes establish her maidenly modesty, which is important for a female character who relentlessly pursues a man for marriage. Crucially, she initially feels her love for Bertram to be hopeless and has kept it secret. According to 16th-century social mores, it would be highly immodest for a young woman to declare love for a man, especially one so much above herself in rank. It is important for the conventional female virtue of Helen’s character that the Countess guesses Helen’s secret love and makes her consider it as a realistic objective.