The Rivals concerns the romantic difficulties of Lydia Languish, who is determined to marry for love and into poverty. Realizing this, the aristocratic Captain Jack Absolute woos her while claiming to be Ensign Beverley. But her aunt, Mrs. Malaprop, will not permit her to wed a mere ensign, and Lydia will lose half her fortune if she marries without her aunt’s permission. Among the play’s many plot complications is the appearance of Sir Anthony (Jack’s father). In the end, Lydia abandons her sentimental notions and agrees to marry Jack.

The situations and characters of the play were not entirely new, but Sheridan’s rich wit and remarkable sense of theatrical effect gave them freshness. Mrs. Malaprop proved to be one of the most popular caricatures in English drama.