It was authored by António Ferreira, a poet and dramatist that's widely regarded as one of the founding figures of Portuguese Renaissance literature.

[3] The tragedy was first translated into English by Thomas Moore Musgrave in London in 1825, marking a significant step in introducing the Portuguese literature to English-speaking audiences.

The main characters in the play included Inês de Castro with her nurse (ama), Infante Don Pedro with his secretary, King Alphonso with three merciless counselors, and a messenger.

[5] The play centers on the tragic story of Inês de Castro, a noblewoman who was famously executed in the 14th century on orders from King Afonso IV of Portugal, despite her romantic relationship with his son, Pedro.

[6] Act I opens with Inês's lament and Don Pedro's debate over his conflicting loyalties, supported by a chorus singing a hymn to love.