The action takes place in France in the mid 17th century. The play's title character and protagonist, although he is only a low-ranking soldier and is almost always short of cash, is an extremely talented individual. Among Cyrano's many other talents, he is a poet, an excellent swordsman and a very witty and eloquent speaker. Unfortunately, Cyrano believes himself to be ugly because of his very long nose. Cyrano falls in love with his beautiful cousin Roxane but lacks the confidence to speak to her about his love. Roxane falls in love with Baron Christian de Neuvillette, a very handsome man who is also a soldier in the same regiment as Cyrano. Christian loves Roxane in return but finds that he is unable to express his love for her in words. Believing that he has found a way to safely expre