The Stranger: A Drama, in Five Acts

"The Stranger: A Drama, in Five Acts" by August von Kotzebue is a play set in 19th-century Germany that explores the dark side of relationships and society's judgment against those who break its rules. The story is centered on a mysterious man known as the Stranger, who is full of sadness and doesn't trust anyone, yet shows kindness to those struggling around him. As the play begins, the Stranger shares his negative views on helping others with a man called Francis. There is also a melancholy woman named Mrs. Haller that keeps a secret in her past. The drama weaves together storylines of hidden pain, the ache for belonging, and how love and regret can shape a person's life.