The Two Noble Kinsmen - Plot Summary:

Unlike his other thirty seven plays, which were solely the work of William Shakespeare, The Two Noble Kinsmen was written in partnership with John Fletcher. Theseus the duke of Athens and Hippolyta the queen of the Amazons, are preparing to marry. Theseus goes to war with Creon, the corrupt Theban King. Creon's noble nephews Palamon and Arcite are captured. Through their prison window they see Emilia, sister of Hippolyta and are set against each other by their desire for her. Arcite is released but banished and Palamon escapes, helped by the daughter of the jailor. Arcite returns disguised, but Emilia cannot chose between Arcite and Palamon. Theseus announces a tournament between them, after which the loser will be executed. Arcite wins but falls from his horse and before dying says that his cousin Palamon should marry Emilia. Abandoned, the daughter of the jailor is saved by a man disguised as Palamon who courts her.