In the subplot, Cornari is a wealthy gentleman of Venice (the play’s title derives from this subplot) who laments the childlessness of his marriage with his wife Claudiana. He is determined that his debauched nephew Malipiero shall not inherit the Cornari estate. So Cornari abducts an English gentleman called Florelli, a man of virtue and valor, and imprisons the kidnapped man in his palace. Cornari’s goal is that Florelli will impregnate Claudiana.
