A Man for All Seasons Summary
Robert Bolt

A Man for All Seasons Summary

Preface

Robert Bolt, who took an honors Bachelor of Arts degree in history, provides a summary of the historical context of his play and defends his reasons for choosing Sir Thomas More as a "hero of selfhood" in an elegantly written Preface. He also explains his intention for the Common Man to "draw the audience in, not thrust them away."

Act One

This drama set in the sixteenth century begins with a contemporary player, the Common Man. Dressed in black tights, he represents Adam, but he immediately steps into the role of Sir Thomas More's steward, the first of many personas he will adopt. More enters with Richard Rich, a political opportunist; they debate whether a man can be bought, even by suffering. Then enter More's wife Alice, daughter Margaret, and good friend, the Duke of Norfolk. More gives Rich a goblet he received as a bribe, and Rich manages to obtain... View more of the A Man for All Seasons Summary