A historical tragedy in five acts, loosely modeled on events centered on the relationship between the crown prince Don Carlos and his father in the 16th century under the reign of King Philip II of Spain. According to the 2007 BBC production of the play: King Philip II of Spain holds on to power through the terror of the Inquisition and his spies at Court. His son Don Carlos seeks his father's trust, yet hides his feelings for his father's wife, Elizabeth of France, to whom he was betrothed before Philip married her. The Court watches and listens.