The Winter's Tale is one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies. The play was first published in 1623 and has since been performed worldwide with great success. Set in Sicily, it revolves around the main character, King Leontes, who is consumed by doubts about his wife's loyalty. Jealousy drives him to plot his best friend's murder, imprison his wife, and disown their unborn child. The play stretches over a period of sixteen long years, during which Leontes realises his mistakes, and he is finally reunited with his estranged wife and daughter.