Rakes and Gallants

Abstract

One of the best-known characters in Restoration theatre is the rake hero, and Behn’s heroes share many typical rake characteristics. They are self-conscious libertines, self-interested, witty and sexy. Nevertheless, Behn uses this hero in a distinctive manner that sets her apart from many of her contemporaries: she objectifies these men through plotting, characterisation, the success of the heroine-tricksters, and the strategic employment of the courtesans’ characterisation.