That is because the men who have written the plays were afraid that the female character would become too superior and would not satisfy the needs and desires of men. .
Gestures were greatly used in Restoration Theatre, to indicate an expression or an emotion. They were so conventionalised that even a deaf person could at least understand the action of the actors. A graceful arch of the wrist meant that the actor was demolishing or emphasising a point. A tap on the head or the forehead meant reason or thought. If the actor pressed his right hand on his heart, it meant that he or she was showing pity, tenderness or grief. .
Moreover, the actor would also kneel to plead, looked up to address the Gods and down for Hell, stand up to show triumph, shake his fist for anger, beat his breast for sorrow and used a handkerchief to wipe theatrical tears. .
In Restoration Theatre, "transparency- names were used to describe the personality of each character (Wilson and Goldfarb, NDG). In William Wycherley's "The Country Wife- (1675), Mr. Harry Horner would be the most obvious personality name. Mr. Harry Horner is a womaniser whose aim is to get young men's wives into his bed. Another obvious personality name character in "The Country Wife- is Mr. Sparkish. He is funny and annoying to both the characters and the audience. .
Costume in Restoration Theatre was very important that it was thought to speak a colourful and vivid language, which was louder than the gestures that were made by the actors. Male actors or female actors that were acting as males were required to wear a loosely shaped long coat reaching down to the actor's knees. Furthermore, shoes were very important and the actors wore shoes that stood out, such as high red heels with ribbons. Male actors would also grow their hair to look stylish. .
Contemporary dresses were used the most in Restoration Theatre and were strictly used in comedies. However, glamorous costumes and location scenes were used for tragedy performances.
