Adulterous wives, obstreperous widows, disdainful daughters and courtesans: Disreputable women in Aphra Behn's comedies

In Aphra Behn's comedies, disreputable women rebel against patriarchal authority by refusing to conform to conventional images of femininity. Because they believe in self-determination, they often come into conflict with the men who attempt to impose their will on them. They also come into conflict with the characters in the play who idealize love, because they give more importance to practical matters. Although they are criticized within the plays, Behn portrays them as sympathetic because they often help other characters by objecting to forced marriage. They are Behn's most aggressive and assertive female characters, and thus use patriarchy to their own advantage, often to obtain wealth. Disreputable female characters allow Behn to discuss issues of money, class, and sex.