The Rivals: Synopsis Lydia Languish is pursued by many men, including Bob Acres, Sir Lucius O'Trigger, and Jack Absolute (as Ensign Beverley); she prefers the latter. Her aunt, Mrs. Malaprop, carries out an anonymous correspondence with Sir Lucius. Julia loves the neglectful Faulkland. Sir Anthony Absolute arranges for his son to marry Lydia; eventually, they are married, although Jack Absolute is supposed to fight his alter ego in the process. Faulkland and Julia are reconciled. Sir Lucius and Bob Acres renounce any claim to Lydia. Act I. Fag and Thomas, a coachman, two servants, meet by chance and discuss their employers: Thomas is employed by Sir Anthony Absolute and Fag by his son Jack, who has taken on the identity of Ensign Beverley. Jack Absolute is in love with Miss Lydia Languish, who would prefer him as a half-pay ensign than as he really is (the son of a baronet). However, her troublesome aunt is impeding the progress of their courtship. Fag teases Thomas about h...