The Revenge of Don Mendo: Plot Synopsis
Day One: A Secret Affair and a Sacrifice
Don Mendo, a ruined nobleman, is having an affair with Magdalena, the daughter of Don Nuño Manso. Her father intends for her to marry Don Pero, the wealthy Duke of Toro. Magdalena, being ambitious, also desires this marriage. Don Mendo secretly visits his lover, explaining that he has incurred a debt. Magdalena sees a way to help him and simultaneously rid herself of him: she gives him a valuable necklace to settle the debt, urging him to then go off to war, allowing her to marry the Duke. However, they are caught together by her father and the Duke. To shield Magdalena from suspicion, Don Mendo claims he stole the jewel. Magdalena accepts his sacrifice without hesitation.
Day Two: Imprisonment and a Daring Escape
Don Mendo is incarcerated while the marriage between Magdalena and the Duke is set to take place. Before the wedding, the Duke visits Don Mendo to confirm his bride's innocence. Don Mendo stands by his false confession. As a 'reward' for his silence, Magdalena arranges for him to be walled up alive. However, before this sentence can be carried out, his friend, the Marquis de Moncada, arrives disguised as a monk and rescues him from this terrible fate.
Day Three: Tangled Loves and Hidden Identities
The plot becomes increasingly tangled due to the fickleness of Magdalena. Now married to Don Pero, she is also the King's mistress and has fallen for a mysterious troubadour. In the Duke of Toro's camp, various characters converge. Among them is Don Mendo, now disguised as the troubadour, hiding in a cave. This cave also serves as a hiding spot for others, including Magdalena's father, her husband (Don Pero), and Azofaifa (a Moorish woman in love with Don Mendo). Don Mendo, overhearing secret conversations and seeking revenge, plans his next move.
Day Four: Cave Confrontations and Final Tragedy
The final act unfolds within the large cave, where characters hide from and seek each other. In a dramatic revelation, Don Mendo reveals his true identity to Magdalena. The Duke (Don Pero) is killed upon learning that his wife is cheating on him with the King. The King intervenes to stop Magdalena's father, Don Nuño, who intends to kill his own daughter for her dishonorable actions. Azofaifa, seeing Magdalena as her rival, stabs her. Don Mendo then kills Azofaifa, before finally taking his own life.