Character Analysis
Dame Pliant is a hot, young widow and the sister of Kastril. Dame Pliant (sometimes called the Widow Pliant) is also rich, which means that just about every dude in the play wants to marry her. Like her name suggests, this young widow is always compliant when it comes to the men in her life.
Her obnoxious bro is always bossing her around and telling her she should marry. At one point, Kastril decides his sis should marry the "Spanish count." Dame Pliant says she's not really into Spaniards (since they sent an armada to attack England back in 1588 and all).
But, Kastril thinks this is a great idea and says the following:
"God's lid, you shall love him, or I'll kick you." (4.4.34)
Dame Pliant's response?
"Why / I'll do as you will have me, brother." (4.4.35-36)
Dame Pliant: putting the pliant in compliant (and the mat in doormat) since 1610.
In the end, Dame Pliant winds up marrying Master Lovewit, who managed to get his hands on a "Spanish count" costume. It's not clear if Pliant knew she was marrying the wrong dude but, ultimately, the play suggests that it doesn't matter because this young woman's desires are never taken into consideration by the male characters in the play.
Ugh. How happy are you that you live in the 21st Century right about now?