CONFLICT

Protagonist: The main protagonists are the "wives" of Windsor, Mrs. Page and Mrs. Ford. They are joined by their husbands and many other townsfolk in an effort to expose the villainous Falstaff at the play's end.

Antagonist: The antagonist of the play is Falstaff. He is a capricious fellow who does not think twice before trying to seduce the wives of Windsor. His ultimate aim is to acquire wealth. He tries to seduce Mrs. Ford and even brags about his escapades to 'Mr. Brook,' without realizing that he is speaking to Mr. Ford himself. He is so vain and foolish that he attempts three rendezvous with Mrs. Ford in order to seduce her. His downfall and humiliation at the hands of the townsfolk of Windsor is well deserved.

Climax: The play reaches its climax in the forest scene. Falstaff, disguised as Herne the Hunter, arrives for his third rendezvous with Mrs. Ford. Everything has been prepared for Falstaff's final humiliation and his exposure before the public. Falstaff is, of course, blissfully unaware of the calamity that is about to befall him.

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