Cymbeline, King of Britain || William Shakespeare || 1609 ✓

While usually classified as a comedy, four of William Shakespeare's plays can be classified as romances: The Tempest, Pericles, The Winter's Tale, and Cymbeline. Occasionally, Cymbeline is classified as a history, since the title character was based on Cunobeline King of the Britons during pre-Roman British History from late first century BC until early 40's AD.

However, the romance genre of Shakespeare's day is entirely different from the romance genre of today. In actuality, the romance of Shakespeare's day would be called a fantasy today. Cymbeline is a story with many plots and subplots, strong characters, and the supernatural. It is also a prototype of melodrama.

So sit back. Enjoy the plotting. Relish in the characterization. And try not to get too confused.