If Escalus cannot change his mind, what can Isabella do? This statement makes the audience wonder what tactics Isabella will use in order to ensure her brother remains alive and free. This increases the dramatic tension in the scene greatly.
When Isabella meets Lord Angelo, she is accompanied by Lucio, one of Claudio's friends. Lucio acts as a sort of referee in this scene between Angelo and Isabella. He alternates his commentary on either one's statements and arguments. Isabella is a varied character as she seems nave on one hand and quite worldly wise on another. During this scene, we see both of these sides competing with one another and this makes the audience wonder which will triumph and how she will interpret what Angelo says to her later in the conversation between the two. When Isabella arrives, Angelo is sending the provost away but then asks him to Stay a little while. This could be seen by the audience that Angelo is almost afraid of Isabella, and of what effects such a meeting could have on his reputation. By keeping the provost there, he ensures that no rumours could emerge about him and Isabella, rumours which would damage his reputation and brand him a hypocrite. The fact that the provost stays increases the dramatic tension in the scene as it allows the audience to see that Angelo knows how people's minds work and actively works to make sure people see him as untouchable and pure. .
At the beginning, Isabella's arguments are quite weak and she states to Lord Angelo that she agrees with him about the law:.
There is a vice that most I do abhor,.
And most desire should meet the blow of justice.
Isabella could be swayed by Angelo into thinking as he does; this is one of her weaknesses and is caused by the fact that she acts much like Angelo already. The audience then begin to wonder whether she truly believes Claudio should live or is she just playing the part of the dutiful sister? Isabella argues to Angelo that it should be the crime, not the man who committed it that should be punished.