Anselmo

Role: gentleman · First appears: Part 1, Ch. 33.1

In Part 1, Ch. 33.1, Anselmo is introduced in Florence as a wealthy gentleman and one of Lothario’s closest friends; together they were known as “The Two Friends.” Deeply in love with Camilla, he relied on Lothario to negotiate their marriage, and Camilla became his happy wife. Afterward, Anselmo persuaded Lothario to resume visiting his house, then confided his wish to test Camilla’s virtue by having his friend court her. He supplied opportunities, money, jewels, and private access, even leaving Camilla in Lothario’s care during an absence.

When Lothario’s first reports proved false, Anselmo discovered him silent with Camilla and urged him to continue, later hiding to witness what he believed was her infidelity. Camilla, Lothario, and Leonela deceived him with a staged scene, convincing him that Camilla was faithful; he celebrated with Lothario, unaware that the friend he trusted had helped destroy his honour. At last, after discovering a man leaving Leonela’s room, Anselmo confined her until she promised to reveal what she knew, but he died while writing about the suffering caused by his curiosity, paying “the penalty of his ill-advised curiosity.”

In Part 1, Ch. 51.1–51.3, Anselmo appears as a suitor for Leandra, rival to the goatherd while her father delayed the choice. He and the goatherd eventually left the village together, keeping flocks in the valley and spending their lives among the trees while praising or lamenting Leandra.