Forese Donati

Forese Donati was an Italian nobleman born in Florence, associated with the Guelphs. He was the son of Simone di Forese and Tessa, and the brother of Corso and Piccarda Donati. He was married to Nella Donati and had one daughter, Ghita.

Curious to know how Dante came to be here, Forese asks after Dante's life since his own death. Dante refers to their friendship and their joint indulgence in sinful behavior when they were younger, probably including the composition of the vulgar and insulting tenzone detailed below. Forese is described as being associated with his immoral family name, who are known to be infamous for their ways with money. There is an excerpt from Nella's mother in the tenzone in which she describes how upset she is that Forese has wasted Nella's dowry. His wife is described as being constantly cold, since Forese cannot please her in bed.