The Laws of Candy

The story centers on the conflict between Antinous a noble warrior and his father Cassilanes who is a revered general but suffers from pride and a desire for recognition. Antinous heroically saves the city but refuses rewards which infuriates Cassilanes who becomes bitter over the growing praise for his son. This father-son conflict is set against a backdrop of political intrigue and romance with various other characters driven by conflicting motives of love revenge and duty. As the play unfolds the strict laws of Candy which govern honor and punishment in the city come into question. Characters face situations where these laws conflict with personal morals leading to revelations about the importance of mercy and forgiveness. By the end the rigid laws of justice and revenge give way to reconciliation and understanding demonstrating the limitations of strict codes in governing human behavior. The Laws of Candy combines intense emotional and ethical dilemmas with Fletcher's signature style using the tragicomic form to question and critique societal values of honor and justice ultimately arguing for compassion over retribution.