The play centers around the legendary Swiss hero, William Tell, who defies the oppressive Austrian authority represented by the tyrannical bailiff, Gessler. Set in the early 14th century, it explores themes of tyranny, freedom, and justice. Tell is driven to rebellion after being forced to shoot an apple off his son's head as punishment for not bowing to Gessler's hat, a symbol of Austrian control. His successful defiance becomes a rallying point for a Swiss uprising against Austrian rule, culminating in the struggle for and achievement of Swiss independence. The play highlights the moral righteousness of fighting for freedom and the importance of individual and collective resistance against tyranny.

"The Malcontent" is a Jacobean-era tragicomedy that delves into themes of political intrigue, revenge, and moral corruption within a court setting. The play centers around the character Malevole, the disguised and deposed Duke Altofronto, who maneuvers through a web of deceit as he seeks to expose the hypocrisy and villainy of those who usurped his throne. Through a series of satirical and darkly humorous episodes, the protagonist navigates a treacherous court filled with unscrupulous characters, ultimately aiming to restore justice and reclaim his rightful position. The work is known for its biting wit, complex characterizations, and exploration of the human condition, reflecting the moral ambiguities of the time.

The play delves into the tragic life of the titular character, a former queen who finds herself imprisoned and facing execution at the hands of her cousin, the reigning monarch of England. It explores themes of power, betrayal, and the struggle for sovereignty, as the protagonist confronts her impending fate with dignity and courage. The narrative unfolds through a series of intense encounters with various historical figures, each revealing the complex web of political intrigue and personal vendettas that sealed her doom. The play ultimately serves as a poignant examination of the human cost of political rivalry and the inexorable march of history.

The play is a historical drama that delves into the tumultuous period of the French Revolution, focusing on the conflict between two revolutionary leaders. It portrays the downfall of the titular character, a once-influential figure in the revolution who finds himself at odds with the extremist factions that have risen to power. As he grapples with his eroding influence and the shifting political landscape, the protagonist is ultimately arrested, tried, and faces the guillotine. The narrative explores themes of power, idealism, corruption, and the tragic consequences of revolutionary fervor, offering a poignant commentary on the nature of political upheaval and the fate of those who find themselves on the losing side of history.

The book is a dramatic trilogy that delves into the complex life and times of a prominent figure during the Thirty Years' War, a European conflict that spanned from 1618 to 1648. It explores the rise and fall of the titular character, a powerful and ambitious general who commands the Imperial forces of the Holy Roman Emperor. The narrative examines themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal as the general navigates the treacherous political landscape, ultimately facing a tragic downfall due to his overreaching ambition and the machinations of his enemies. The work is a rich tapestry of historical drama and personal conflict, reflecting on the nature of authority and the consequences of hubris.

The play is a tragic tale set in Parma, Italy, centered around the forbidden love between Giovanni and his sister Annabella. Despite societal taboos and the grave moral implications, the siblings embark on an incestuous relationship, which leads to Annabella's pregnancy. As the story unfolds, their secret is threatened by external suitors, family pressures, and societal expectations, resulting in a series of deceitful acts, betrayals, and violent outcomes. The play explores themes of passion, morality, and the devastating consequences of transgressing social boundaries, culminating in a dramatic and bloody conclusion that underscores the destructive power of forbidden love.

Set in the late 18th century, the narrative revolves around a group of British convicts and their naval officers sent to an Australian penal colony. Amidst the harsh conditions, an ambitious young lieutenant decides to put on a play with the convicts as a means to rehabilitate them and raise morale. The story explores themes of redemption, the transformative power of art, and the complexities of the human condition as the convicts rehearse and navigate their personal struggles, social dynamics, and the rigid class structures imposed by their captors. The play within the book becomes a catalyst for change, challenging the characters' perceptions of punishment, civilization, and what it means to be a 'good' person in a society that has branded them as outcasts.

The play is a speculative work set in the near future, exploring the reign of Charles after he ascends to the British throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. It delves into the political and personal turmoil that ensues as Charles grapples with the weight of the crown and the responsibilities that come with it. The narrative follows his struggle with his own principles versus the demands of the modern British monarchy, the conflicts within his family, and the broader implications of his actions on the nation's constitutional fabric. Written in Shakespearean blank verse, the play examines themes of power, tradition, and the evolving nature of the monarchy in contemporary society.