In Lauretta’s fourth tale (IV, 3), Ninetta is the older sister to Maddalena and Bertella and the lover of Restagnone. She runs away with him, her sisters, and their lovers to Crete, but when Restagnone loses interest in her, she murders him in a fit of rage and is subsequently kidnapped and murdered by Maddalena’s lover, Folco. Her unlucky end illustrates the day’s theme—unlucky and unhappy lovers—but Lauretta also offers her murderous rage as a warning to ladies in the audience to control their anger.
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Ninetta Character Timeline in The Decameron
The timeline below shows where the character Ninetta appears in The Decameron. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Day 4: Third Tale
...relatives of N’Arnald Civada have arranged marriages for his daughters, contingent on his return home. Ninetta and Maddalena are twins, and their younger sister is named Bertella. Ninetta loves a poor...
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When Restagnone learns about the men courting Ninetta’s sisters, he thinks he can repair his own fortune with their wealth. He promises Folco...
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...knows, too much of a good thing often leads to sorrow. Restagnone becomes bored with Ninetta and falls in love with a Cretan girl. Ninetta, “distraught with jealousy,” subjects Restagnone to...
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...law, she confesses to her part in Restagnone’s murder, and the Duke of Crete arrests Ninetta. Folco, Ughetto, and their ladies beg leniency for Ninetta. Maddalena goes further and offers to...
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But despite Maddalena’s best efforts, Folco discovers Ninetta hidden in their home. Knowing that the Duke of Crete loves Maddalena, Folco immediately suspects...
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