Flamineo is probably the most ambitious character in the play—though Vittoria likely isn't too far behind. He wants to increase his status in the world by aiding a "great man" like Brachiano, and is willing to use any means necessary to accomplish the task. But this doesn't end well, seeing as how he gets killed and all. This is probably because Flamineo's ambitions are entirely selfish—he's not ambitious to better the human condition or make improvements to Italy's political system or anything like that. Vittoria too, regrets that she's just the "ornament to a weak fortune" (since her husband isn't rich)—but doesn't have anything approaching a social conscience (or, arguably, a conscience in general).
Questions About Ambition
- Is it ever wrong to be ambitious? Or does it just depend on the object of your ambition? Or can you be too ambitious even in trying to get something good (like, in working for a cause)?
- Could Flamineo have re-routed his ambitions and used them for good?
- Is it acceptable to be ambitious in a selfish way, ever? What if it's not hurting anyone else?
- If you've read Macbeth, compare Macbeth's character with Flamineo—which figure had greater ambitions, and could've done more good had he used them differently? How do they approach ambition differently?
Chew on This
"I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself
And falls on th' other." — Macbeth, Macbeth (1.7.25-28).
"But this allows my varying of shapes;
Knaves do grow great by being great men's apes." — Flamineo, The White Devil (4.2)