In order to show Angelo the folly of his unmerciful nature, the Duke initially condemns him to death, stating Angelo must be punished measure for measure. The Duke then applies mercy to his sentence, forgives Angelo (as begged by Isabella and Mariana), and gives him the sentence of being a good husband. He now shows himself to be a leader capable of action, but also capable of mercy.

Isabella has also changed, just like the Duke. Her experiences in the real world, away from the convent, have made her see the challenges and possibilities of life. She realizes that real people, like the Duke, can make a difference; they can bring goodness into the world. Shedding some of her lofty goals and becoming more practical-minded, Isabella is assumed to accept the Duke's proposal of marriage.

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