The Castle of Otranto

The narrative centers on Manfred, the lord of Otranto, whose plans unravel after the tragic death of his son Conrad on his wedding day. The incident, tied to an ominous prophecy about the castle's fate, drives Manfred to pursue Isabella, intending to marry her and discard his wife Hippolita. As he grapples with his fears of losing his lineage, the story unfolds with themes of ambition, fate, and the supernatural, setting the stage for a dramatic exploration of power and desperation.