Measure for Measure · Character

Isabella

A novice on the verge of taking her vows, drawn out of the convent to beg a hard deputy for her brother's life.

major

Also known as Isabella Alas, Isabella Ay, Isabella Within, Isabella Unhappy Claudio, Isabella Sir, Isabella O, Isabella Justice, Isabella Ha, Isabella Ignomy, Isabella Else, Isabella Gentle, Gentle Isabella, Dear Isabel, Isabel, Sweet Isabel, Servant One Isabel, dear Isabel, O Isabel

First appearance: Scene IV

As a major figure in Measure for Measure, Isabella is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Isabella is introduced as a novice nun, learning of her brother Claudio's imprisonment and being persuaded by Lucio to appeal to Angelo for mercy.

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Isabella is about to enter the sisterhood of Saint Clare when Lucio arrives with news that Claudio is condemned and only her eloquence might move Angelo. She goes reluctantly, doubting her own power, but her plea for mercy is fierce and articulate — and it lands on a man who has never before been moved. Her commitment to chastity and her loyalty to her brother pull in opposite directions, and that collision is the moral center of the play.

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See Isabella in Scene IV

Character Web

21 connections

A slice of how Isabella sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Romantic
Social
Professional
Other

Character groups

Protagonist
Central characters

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because the Duke, now in his own habit, shifts from passive observer to acti…

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Relationships

Lord Angelo
psychological · negative
Angelo propositions Isabella with a corrupt bargain, making her the object of his lust… How this plays out →
Duke Vincentio
romantic · ambivalent
Lucio
social · ambivalent
Provost
professional · positive
Lucio
social · ambivalent
Lord Angelo
psychological · negative
Angelo propositions Isabella with a corrupt bargain, making her the object of his lust… How this plays out →
Lord Angelo
psychological · negative
Angelo propositions Isabella with a corrupt bargain, making her the object of his lust… How this plays out →
Provost
professional · positive
Duke Vincentio
romantic · ambivalent
Duke Vincentio
romantic · ambivalent
Lucio
social · ambivalent
Provost
professional · positive

Lord Angelo
Angelo propositions Isabella with a corrupt bargain, making her the object of his lust and manipulation.
Duke Vincentio
The Duke proposes marriage to Isabella at the end, though her response is ambiguous, suggesting a one-sided romantic interest.
Lucio
Lucio encourages Isabella to plead for her brother's life, acting as a meddling but supportive acquaintance.
Provost
The Provost assists Isabella in the Duke's plan to save her brother, acting as a cooperative official.
Lucio
Lucio encourages Isabella to plead for her brother's life, acting as a meddling but supportive acquaintance.
Lord Angelo
Angelo propositions Isabella with a corrupt bargain, making her the object of his lust and manipulation.
Lord Angelo
Angelo propositions Isabella with a corrupt bargain, making her the object of his lust and manipulation.
Provost
The Provost assists Isabella in the Duke's plan to save her brother, acting as a cooperative official.
Duke Vincentio
The Duke proposes marriage to Isabella at the end, though her response is ambiguous, suggesting a one-sided romantic interest.
Duke Vincentio
The Duke proposes marriage to Isabella at the end, though her response is ambiguous, suggesting a one-sided romantic interest.
Lucio
Lucio encourages Isabella to plead for her brother's life, acting as a meddling but supportive acquaintance.
Provost
The Provost assists Isabella in the Duke's plan to save her brother, acting as a cooperative official.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Isabella in Scene IV

In the story

Isabella appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Scene IV
Isabella is introduced as a novice nun, learning of her brother Claudio's imprisonment and being persuaded by Lucio to appeal to Angelo for mercy.
Scene II
Pleads passionately for Claudio's life, using arguments of mercy and self-reflection, but inadvertently inflames Angelo's desire.
Scene IV
Rejects Angelo's vile proposition; chooses chastity over her brother's life; resolves to inform Claudio of Angelo's true nature.
Scene I
Visits Claudio to inform him of Angelo's condition; refuses to sacrifice her honor, condemns Claudio's cowardice, and later agrees to the Duke's plan.
Scene I
Isabella arrives to inform the Duke of the plan to meet Angelo and agrees to the substitution of Mariana.
Scene III
Learns of Claudio's supposed death and is directed by the Duke to seek justice against Angelo.
Scene VI
Reluctant to speak indirectly but resolved to follow the Duke's plan to accuse Angelo.
Scene I
Publicly accuses Angelo of being a murderer, hypocrite, and virgin-violator, pleading for justice before the Duke.

Chapter companion notes

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See Isabella in Scene IV