The Merry Wives of Windsor · Character

Master Page

Anne's easygoing father, who trusts his wife, dotes on his daughter, and treats Falstaff's antics with more amusement than alarm.

supporting

Also known as Page, honest Master Page, Master George Page, George

First appearance: act i scene i

As a supporting figure in The Merry Wives of Windsor, Master Page is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Dismisses the accusations against Falstaff as lies from his discarded men.

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See Master Page in Scene I Book page

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Master Page is the placid counterweight to Ford's jealousy, a Windsor gentleman whose household runs on good humor rather than suspicion. He has his own plans for Anne's marriage, favoring Slender's suit, and his disagreement with his wife over the match sets up a quiet domestic contest beneath the Falstaff farce. His confidence in his wife and his relaxed authority make him the play's measure of what a sane marriage looks like.

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The fuller portrait of Master Page sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Master Page in act i scene i

Character Web

17 connections

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

Relationship types

Family
Social
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Windsor townspeople and suitors
Tricksters, helpers, and forest spirits

+12 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene represents the dramatic climax because it forces Anne Page into a direct emotional and psychologica…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Anne Page
family · ambivalent
Master Page is Anne's father, who wants her to marry Doctor Caius, creating conflict with… How this plays out →
Doctor Caius
social · positive
Sir Hugh Evans
friendship · positive
Master Ford
friendship · positive
Anne Page
family · ambivalent
Master Page is Anne's father, who wants her to marry Doctor Caius, creating conflict with… How this plays out →
Anne Page
family · ambivalent
Master Page is Anne's father, who wants her to marry Doctor Caius, creating conflict with… How this plays out →
Doctor Caius
social · positive
Sir Hugh Evans
friendship · positive
Master Ford
friendship · positive
Doctor Caius
social · positive
Sir Hugh Evans
friendship · positive

Anne Page
Master Page is Anne's father, who wants her to marry Doctor Caius, creating conflict with her own wishes.
Doctor Caius
Doctor Caius is a suitor favored by Master Page for Anne, but their relationship is transactional rather than close.
Sir Hugh Evans
Master Page and Sir Hugh Evans are friends and co-conspirators in the schemes against Falstaff.
Master Ford
Ford and Page are friends and neighbors, though Ford's jealousy creates some tension between them.
Anne Page
Master Page is Anne's father, who wants her to marry Doctor Caius, creating conflict with her own wishes.
Anne Page
Master Page is Anne's father, who wants her to marry Doctor Caius, creating conflict with her own wishes.
Doctor Caius
Doctor Caius is a suitor favored by Master Page for Anne, but their relationship is transactional rather than close.
Sir Hugh Evans
Master Page and Sir Hugh Evans are friends and co-conspirators in the schemes against Falstaff.
Master Ford
Ford and Page are friends and neighbors, though Ford's jealousy creates some tension between them.
Doctor Caius
Doctor Caius is a suitor favored by Master Page for Anne, but their relationship is transactional rather than close.
Sir Hugh Evans
Master Page and Sir Hugh Evans are friends and co-conspirators in the schemes against Falstaff.

Relationship notes

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

See Master Page in act i scene i

In the story

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

Scene I
Dismisses the accusations against Falstaff as lies from his discarded men.
Scene III
Accompanies Shallow and Slender, supporting the peace.
Scene I
Brings the group to Sir Hugh Evans to mediate; observes the confrontation.
Scene II
Supports Slender as a suitor for Anne; opposes Fenton.
Scene III
Accompanies Ford in the search and later mocks his jealousy.
Scene II
Accompanies Ford in his search and helps overturn the basket, but is skeptical of Ford's jealousy.
Scene IV
Participates in the plot against Falstaff and secretly plans for Slender to steal Nan away at Eton.
Scene II
Leads the group to hide in the castle ditch and reminds Slender of his daughter.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Master Page unlock in the free preview.

See Master Page in act i scene i

See Master Page in Scene I