Ben Jonson wrote and published the drama Volpone in 1606 as a part of his Works

(Greenblatt 1441). The narrative touches on a number of issues, including the misuse
of authority and attempts to make money. According to Griffiths (1441), the main
characters in Volpone are prepared to "argue anything for a price" and will do almost
anything to obtain fortune. Jonson based his theme on Aesop's story, which against
flattery.
Volpone: Volpone, aka "the Fox," is the play's title character. Volpone, a wealthy
aristocrat without an heir, spends his time on hedonistic pursuits such as sex, food,
and money. Volpone would rather live as a trickster or conman than practice a trade
to acquire his money. The fox is commonly associated with slyness, cunning, and
cleverness in literature and folklore. Similarly, Volpone embodies these traits as he
deceives and manipulates those around him for personal gain. During the play,
Volpone fools three wealthy businessmen into believing that he is near death, so they
lavish him with expensive presents in the hopes of becoming his heir. Volpone's scam
reveals to the audience what Volpone truly values: his capacity to influence others.

Mosca: Mosca’s name means fly, and like a fly, Mosca buzzes around whispering in
the ears of all the other characters in the play. Mosca begins the play as a true
"parasite," clinging to Volpone's wealth and status. As the play progresses, the
audience sees that Mosca, not Volpone, is the true mastermind of the con, convincing
each of the legacy-hunters to hand over their most prized possessions. Volpone is
tricked into a "fox trap" by Mosca, who sees a chance to deceive Volpone himself and
defraud his master of his riches. Despite convincing the public that he is the real fox,
Mosca suffers the same terrible destiny as his master.

Voltore: Voltore—"the Vulture"—is one of Volpone's legacy-hunters. A lawyer who

specializes in wills, Voltore obsesses over whether he is Volpone's sole heir, but isn't
as active in trying to hasten Volpone's death as his competition. The vulture is a bird
associated with scavenging and feeding off the remains of others. Similarly, Voltore
embodies this symbolism through his profession as a lawyer who preys on legal cases
and takes advantage of situations for personal gain. He is opportunistic and cunning,
much like a vulture that circles waiting for an opportunity to feed.
Corbaccio: Corbaccio—"the Crow"—is a doddering old man who wishes to live longer
than Volpone and be designated his heir. Stooped with age, and practically deaf and
blind, Corbaccio's reduced senses mirror his lowered morality. Whenever he arrives,
Corbaccio delights in hearing details of Volpone's falling condition. He even delivers a
vial of "medicine," which Mosca suspects to be poison intended to expedite Volpone's
death. In the play, Corbaccio is portrayed as disloyal to his own son, Bonario, seeking
to disinherit him in favor of inheriting Volpone's wealth. This betrayal aligns with the
cunning and self-serving nature often attributed to crows in mythology and folklore.

Corvino: Corvino—"the Raven"—is a prosperous Venetian merchant who uses

violence and brutality to acquire what he wants. Married to the lovely Celia, envious
Corvino puts her in a tower, beats, and degrades her. When he believes it will increase
his prospects of being chosen Volpone's successor, he pulls Celia to Volpone's bed and
forces her to sleep with him. He is willing to exploit his wife, Celia, for financial gain,
much like a raven gathering shiny objects.

In "Volpone," these characters are not simply individuals but symbolic representations
of human vices and follies. Each character's behavior aligns with the traditional
characteristics associated with their respective animal counterparts in fables,
reinforcing the play's satirical commentary on greed, deceit, and moral corruption in
society. Jonson uses these allegorical elements to create a vivid and exaggerated
portrait of human nature, highlighting the timeless themes explored in classic fables
through the lens of Renaissance comedy.