William Wycherley

William Wycherley (c. 1641–1716) was an English Restoration playwright renowned for his satirical comedies, including The Country Wife (1675) and The Plain Dealer (1676), which critiqued societal hypocrisy, jealousy, and human follies.[1][2][3] Born into a gentry family, he spent time in France, immersed himself in London's theater scene after the Restoration, and moved in high society, though his life included scandals like a secret marriage leading to royal disfavor and financial troubles.[1][3][4][6] Despite personal difficulties, his sharp wit influenced modern English comedy.[3][5]