The Renaissance was a period in which theatre, among other art forms, flourished in its adolescence, surpassing the ancient traditional characteristics of Middle Ages, and gradually evolved into what would later become known as modern history. Unlike the tragedies of previous eras – which depended largely on a fatal flaw in the protagonists to lead them to perpetual torment – ​​the tragedies of the Renaissance age saw a great change in the complexity of the characters in a play, as the period was strongly influenced by humanism. . The characters were no longer "flat" but "dynamic", so they resembled those of real-life individuals more accurately than before. With such changes in characterization, themes and conflicts in theater consequently underwent similar developments from simple and straightforward to thought-provoking and relatable. One such thought-provoking and relatable theme found in The Duchess of Malfi is the concept of inferiority and its necessity to advance in society; a concept that can be identified and explored through the characters Bosola and Antonio. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Bosola, cunning, disgruntled and vindictive, is the catalyst for the tragedies that befall the Duchess and her family. From the first act, Bosola is presented as an ex-criminal who expresses his frustration at how undervalued he is for his services. He finds it difficult to accept his humble position given that he has done so much for his employers. He compares himself to a "soldier who risks his limbs in a battle" and receives "nothing" in return, while "there are rewards for the hawks and dogs when they have rendered us a service." Antonio also recognizes this misfortune of Bosola, stating: “It is a great pity that he is so neglected: I have heard that he is very brave. This disgusting melancholy will poison all his goodness..." which also alludes to readers and the public of the future corruption that Bosola will embody. However, Bosola perseveres and is determined to "prosper in some way", even if it means having to degrade himself to a creature unworthy of honor and respect. When Ferdinand offers him gold and a better position in exchange for spying on the duchess, Bosola fervently refuses and proclaims that he would much rather kill than spy on a woman. Furthermore, the assignment would make him an “impudent traitor”; "a very picturesque invisible devil in the flesh." Yet, strangely, Bosola accepts the job – with some reluctance, it seems – which highlights how willing this man is to belittle himself in order to climb the social ladder. This is the first scene of the play that outlines the question, "Does a 'preference' in the world require an admission of inferiority?" This scene is not unusual; nor is this question only applicable to the time period in which this play was composed. The act of degrading oneself in one way or another – whether out of humility or simple greed – in order to rise to power and gain wealth, is and has always been a popular theme in literature and art throughout history. Evidently, the reason why Bosola accepted the spy job is greed and ambition. On the other hand, Antonio displays a similar conception of inevitable subordination towards the Duchess, but does so with all the admirable qualities of a good, loyal and humble servant. Antonio does not hide his admiration, respect and loyalty for the Duchess. She is introduced into the work through her exaltation, as if she were a being without defects, almost similar to a goddess. This highly subjective opinion insinuates possible feelings of love towards the Duchess,?