Bosola is a complicated and fascinating character.

He acts the role of both villain and avenger, working

first against and then for the duchess.

First, Bosola agrees to work as a spy and also murder the Duchess for Ferdinand and the Cardinal, even
though he knows they are evil and their court corrupt.

Later, however, the cynical Bosola grows to admire the Duchess for her genuine goodness. He sees the
kind works of her “white hand.” He wishes he worked for her, but he has made his bargain. He kills her,
as is expected.

Killing the Duchess, Bosola says, was “much ‘gainst mine own good nature.” He decides to avenge the
Duchess by killing her brothers, though he is killed in return