All's Well That Ends Well | Scene Summaries

Timeline of Events

• The beginning

  Bertram's father dies, making the young man the new Count of Rossillion.

  Act 1, Scene 1
• Shortly after

  Bertram, called to court by the ailing king of France, says goodbye to his mother, the countess.

  Act 1, Scene 1
• A few days later

  Helen, a doctor's daughter who has loved Bertram since childhood, follows him to Paris.

  Act 1, Scene 3
• Several days later

  Using medicines left to her by her father, Helen cures the king of France.

  Act 2, Scene 3
• Shortly afterward

  As a reward, the king of France allows Helen to choose any man she wishes for her husband.

  Act 2, Scene 3
• Immediately following

  Helen chooses Bertram, who resents being forced to marry a woman from a lower class.

  Act 2, Scene 3
• The same night

  Bertram heads off to war before the marriage can be consummated, and Helen returns to Rossillion.

  Act 2, Scene 5
• Several days later

  Helen receives a letter from Bertram explaining what she must do for him to consider her his wife.

  Act 3, Scene 2
• Shortly after

  Helen, worried for Bertram's safety, paves the way for him to come home by going on a pilgrimage.

  Act 3, Scene 4
• Over several weeks

  In the Tuscan wars Bertram proves to be a good soldier and strong leader.

  Act 3, Scene 5
• Some time later

  In Florence Helen meets Diana, a young noblewoman Bertram has been trying to seduce.

  Act 3, Scene 5
• Soon after

  Helen enlists Diana's help in tricking Bertram.

  Act 3, Scene 7
• Soon afterward

  Helen obtains Bertram's ring and takes Diana's place in the girl's bed.

  Act 5, Scene 3
• Around the same time

  Helen spreads a rumor she has died from grief, and Bertram believes it.

  Act 4, Scene 3
• A few weeks later

  Bertram returns to his home, only to be followed by Diana, who says he had promised to marry her.

  Act 5, Scene 3
• Immediately afterward

  The king of France, visiting Rossillion, interrogates Bertram and catches him in a web of lies.

  Act 5, Scene 3
• Immediately following

  Just as Bertram seems doomed, Helen appears with his ring and says she is pregnant with his child.

  Act 5, Scene 3
• Moments later

  Bertram agrees to love Helen, everyone is satisfied, and "all's well that ends well."

  Act 5, Scene 3

Scene Summaries Chart