Content Warning: As a product of its time, the play contains perspectives and social dynamics that reflect the gender and class biases of the early 18th century. This guide also describes the play’s depiction of antisemitism.

The Prologue was written by the actor David Garrick, and it is spoken by the actor playing Sir Peter Teazle. Peter wonders if scandal needs to be taught or if it is part of human nature. He describes a fictitious Lady Wormwood, who delights in gossip. However, when her name appears in the paper, she is insulted. Peter describes Sheridan as a young man writing to fight scandal, which he imagines as a hydra.

Lady Sneerwell and Snake discuss Mrs. Clackit’s effect on society, including multiple divorces, disowning, and a duel. Sneerwell reveals that she enjoys ruining other people’s reputations because her own was ruined by someone else’s gossip.

Snake asks Sneerwell why she has taken an interest in Joseph and Charles Surface, the nephews of Sneerwell’s neighbor, Peter Teazle. Joseph spends a lot of time with Sneerwell, so people think they are having an affair. Sneerwell explains that both Joseph and Charles want to marry Maria, Peter’s ward.