Frame a will, whereto you shall inscribe

Drawn from Ben Jonson's biting Jacobean satire Volpone, this dark comedic duologue showcases a masterclass in psychological manipulation. The cunning parasite Mosca works to persuade the elderly, avaricious Corbaccio to disinherit his own flesh and blood. Under the deceptive promise that this sacrifice will guarantee Corbaccio becoming the sole heir to a fortune, the scene exposes the absurd depths to which unchecked greed can drive an otherwise cautious man.

Corbaccio is an ancient, frail gentleman whose physical decay is matched only by his ravenous appetite for wealth. Blinded by pride, he desperately needs to believe he is still vital and shrewd, readily convincing himself that Mosca's treacherous scheme was his own original invention. Mosca, by contrast, is a nimble and calculating social climber who navigates the interaction with oily deference. He reads his target with precision, feeding the old man flattery and false assurance while methodically stripping him of his familial loyalties.

This piece provides exceptional classical material with distinct vocal rhythms and heightened comedic stakes. The dramatic irony crackles throughout the interaction, giving both actors clear objectives and rich subtext to play beneath Jonson's structured language. For evaluators, the piece demonstrates an actor's ability to handle heightened classical prose without losing conversational spontaneity, physical specificity, or grounded comedic timing.

This duologue is ideally suited for character actors, performers seeking villainous or morally ambiguous roles, and mature artists looking for an elderly comedic showcase. It serves exceptionally well for drama school auditions, agent showcases, classical theatre competitions, and general performance practice.

Lean into the sharp contrast in status and physicality between the two men. The actor playing Corbaccio should avoid relying solely on vocal infirmity; find the desperate spark of vanity and greed that propels the character forward. The actor playing Mosca must keep the manipulation attentive and subtle, ensuring that the sycophancy feels earned rather than broadly comedic. Pay close attention to the rapid conversational beats, allowing Corbaccio's interruptions to highlight his stubborn self-deception against Mosca's steady, calculated orchestration.