Volpone's Dynamic DuoAlthough Mosca and Volpone, the "dynamic duo" of this play, share many similarities, they are still different enough to complement each other. On the one hand, the two characters are similar in that they share a common desire for deception, making a living by deceiving others. They delight in conjuring up and implementing elaborate schemes to deceive people. It becomes a game for both of them, which they both enjoy playing immensely. Perhaps the shared love for this game is what binds Volpone's heart to Mosca's so closely. On the other hand, Mosca seems to be a bit sharper and more witty than Volpone. Where Volpone tends to be slightly boring or slow, Mosca makes up for it by being resourceful with him. For example, in Act 3.4, Volpone seethes in frustration because he fails to persuade or trick Lady Want-be into leaving his presence. He tries to make her leave several times, but without success. Finally, at the height of his despair, Mosca enters and, in a single breath, invents a brilliant lie that sends Lady Want-be running for the door. This flawless ability of Mosca to come up with plans under pressure is what makes him so useful to Volpone and keeps the duo together. Mosca's quick thinking complements Volpone's slow thinking. Another trait that Mosca has in abundance that Volpone doesn't necessarily have is the ability to flatter. Throughout the play, Mosca demonstrates a clever ability to play on the pride of others by inflating their egos so that they are consumed by their own vanity. Then, once the other person has their eyes solely on themselves, they are vulnerable to falling for any of Mosca's plans. This cunning character plays this game of flattery with almost every character in the play, including Volpone. Because Volpone is not witty enough to see that his sidekick is treating him with the same cunning he uses on clients, he is