Author Unknown, but probably Thomas Middleton.
I decided to read a Jacobean revenge play at random and was well rewarded. I have never before read a play where almost every character of importance wanted to kill all of the other characters. It seemed like everyone in this play had a taste for blood for some reason or other, and they were all trying to fulfill their individual vendettas with murder. I have to say this was a satisfying play for its wanton violence and no seeming moral drive. None of the characters are honorable, decent, or virtuous, with the exception of Castiza and the venerable old Antonio who has maybe 25 lines. Even those without revenge on the mind can easily be corrupted with either lust or gold. now that I think about it, the overriding moral could be the very simple one of lust and gold, intertwined and individual, are corrupting influences on almost everyone.
Basically, this is a play where everyone dies and no one wins. And throw in some gruesome scenes involving the Duke's corpse. Also, the main character Vindice made a lot of sarcastic asides which were sometimes funny.
The Jacobean dramas were so fun when I was in English Lit class. I had a bloody-minded prof who served them up with great relish, too!
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