The Decameron

The Decameron

by

Giovanni Boccaccio

Folco Character Analysis

In Lauretta’s fourth tale (IV, 3), Folco is a wealthy young man in love with Maddalena. He pools his wealth with Restagnone and Ughetto and runs away with them to Crete. But when Maddalena sleeps with the Duke of Crete to free Ninetta from her murder charge, Folco kills her in a fit of jealous rage, then sets out to sea with Ninetta, never to be seen again. He is thus another unlucky lover and an example of the damaging effects of immoderate jealousy and rage.
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Folco Character Timeline in The Decameron

The timeline below shows where the character Folco appears in The Decameron. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Day 4: Third Tale
Love and Sex Theme Icon
Men and Women Theme Icon
Class and Character Theme Icon
...and they’ve been carrying on an affair for a while. Meanwhile, two wealthy young men, Folco and Ughetto, are in love with Maddalena and Bertella, respectively. (full context)
Men and Women Theme Icon
...Ninetta’s sisters, he thinks he can repair his own fortune with their wealth. He promises Folco and Ughetto that if they give him one third of their combined wealth, he will... (full context)
Love and Sex Theme Icon
Men and Women Theme Icon
Intelligence Theme Icon
...she confesses to her part in Restagnone’s murder, and the Duke of Crete arrests Ninetta. Folco, Ughetto, and their ladies beg leniency for Ninetta. Maddalena goes further and offers to sleep... (full context)
Moderation and Excess Theme Icon
But despite Maddalena’s best efforts, Folco discovers Ninetta hidden in their home. Knowing that the Duke of Crete loves Maddalena, Folco... (full context)