In The Merry Wives of Windsor, Fenton is the young gentleman who marries Anne Page. Anne loves Fenton, but her parents initially favor other suitors: her father prefers Abraham Slender, while her mother favors Doctor Caius.
Fenton was once associated with Prince Hal and his wild companions, and Anne’s father distrusts him partly because he has squandered his fortune. Despite the family’s plans, Anne and Fenton remain committed to each other. During the final revels, competing disguises and schemes allow Slender and Caius to be led away with boys instead of Anne.
Fenton and Anne use the confusion to marry privately. When they appear, they reveal that they have already wed. Anne’s parents accept the marriage, recognizing that she has chosen the man she genuinely loves. The play therefore contrasts arranged or strategic courtship with mutual affection.
A common mix-up is to choose Slender or Caius because both are presented as Anne’s intended matches. They are rivals, not her husband; Fenton is the successful suitor.