The central conflict arises when a young gentleman attempts to abandon his mistress, a courtesan, to marry a virtuous woman, triggering a vengeful plot that threatens his social standing. The protagonist, Freevill, seeks to transition from a life of debauchery to a respectable marriage, but his former mistress, Franceschina, refuses to be discarded. The narrative, presented in the form of a Jacobean city comedy, explores the tension between moral hypocrisy and carnal desire. The characters operate within the rigid social hierarchies of early 17th-century London, where reputation is as fragile as it is essential.

Discussion often centers on the play's cynical tone and its unflinching look at the darker side of urban life in early modern England. Readers frequently highlight the contrast between the comedic subplots and the more sinister motivations of the central antagonist. Critics often note that the play serves as a significant example of the city comedy genre, balancing humor with a critique of contemporary social mores. The work is frequently analyzed for its complex characterization, particularly regarding the agency afforded to the female lead in a patriarchal society.