Julia is to be seen as the most sensible person throughout and maybe an “ideal” woman to boot. Her unlimited ability to forgive Faulkland’s insecurities and resulting doubts about her affection and loyalty is to be seen as virtuous IMO; it seems a woman was expected to gracefully handle her partner’s foolishness continually soothing, forgiving, and uplifting him no matter what sort of betrayal he perpetrates. Both Faulkland and Captain Absolute betray their ladies and both are forgiven by them. The women guide the plot in the sense that all the men’s actions are to obtain their ladies affections; Lydia more so than Julia because her romantic notions and desire to outwit her aunt supposedly is why the Captain portrays himself as a lowly ensign. This is a game a the Captain enjoys and takes advantage of; he does not mind mischief and putting it over on his father and his disguise to Mrs. M and reading the ensigns letter aloud to her gave him a great deal of pleasure as well as the audience. Fighting Bob and Sir Lucius are both also trying to obtain Lydia but Faulkland’s actions seem more focused on his doubts, ensuring that he still has Julia’s affections rather than trying to gain her; even when he becomes concerned at Bob’s description of her dancing and singing in his absence it has more to do with his views than hers. This has been a fun read but it is more complicated than it first appears and is worthy of more attention. I will reread this and the School for Scandal too. ;D