In The Captivi, the plot centers on two main characters, Tyndarus and Antipho. Tyndarus, a captured slave, is mistaken for another man and escapes from his captors. Antipho, a young man in love, is desperate to free his father, who has been captured by pirates. The confusion of mistaken identities, typical of Plautus’ work, creates much of the comedic tension in the play.The Mostellaria revolves around a young man, Philolaches, who defies his father's strict rules and throws a party in his home. His father, unaware, believes the house is haunted when he returns and finds things amiss. Plautus plays with themes of deception and mistaken appearances as Philolaches, with the help of his clever slave, tries to avoid punishment by tricking his father into thinking a ghost is responsible for the chaos. Both plays are marked by witty dialogue and social commentary on Roman life.