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The Protagonist: Follows John Wilmot, a brilliant but self-destructive poet in the court of King Charles II. The Lifestyle: He leads a notoriously debauched life filled with heavy drinking and endless romantic affairs. The Catalyst: He falls in love with a struggling theater actress, Elizabeth Barry (Samantha Morton), and mentors her to stardom. The Conflict: King Charles II (John Malkovich) commissions him to write a play to impress the French ambassador, but Wilmot writes a vulgar satire lampooning the King instead. The Downfall: Banished from the court, Wilmot's health rapidly deteriorates from syphilis and alcoholism, leading to an early death at age 33.