William Congreve was a highly influential English playwright and poet. Congreve is generally credited for shaping the English comedy of manners through his sharp satirical wit. Congreve's popular plays include The Way of the World, Love for Love, and The Mourning Bride.

Love for Love is a comedy that centers around Valentine, a man who has racked up a lot of debt due to extravagant spending. This causes Valentine's father great embarrassment and he offers to pay off his son's debt if he will sign over the right to his inheritance to his younger brother.