During one of their encounters, Rogero discovers that his antagonist is Bradamant--a woman--and falls desperately in love with her.
It is at this point that Boiardo's poem ends; and Ariosto, adopting his characters, immediately begins weaving three principal strands of narrative,--one relating to the wars of Charlemagne, another to Orlando's madness, and the third to the love of Rogero and Bradamant,--Rogero, an ancestor of the Ferrara family (Ariosto's patrons), being the real hero of his poem.
Not satisfied at being placed under the care of Duke Namus of Bavaria, Angelica escapes from his guardianship, only to be pursued by the unwelcome attentions of Rinaldo and Ferrau.

While these two fight for her possession, the lady, who spends her time fleeing from unwelcome suitors, escapes, only to fall into the hands of Sacripant, King of Circassia, another admirer, who bears her off in triumph.

They meet a knight in white armor (Bradamant in quest of Rogero), ere they are overtaken by Rinaldo.

A new duel now ensues, this time between Rinaldo and Sacripant, during which Angelica runs away and seeks refuge with a hermit-magician, who then informs the combatants Angelica has been carried off to Paris by Orlando.

Hearing this, the rivals cease fighting and join forces to rescue the lady, but, when they arrive in Paris, Charlemagne despatches Rinaldo to England and Scotland, where, among other marvellous adventures, is told the lengthy and fantastic yet beautiful story of Ginevra.
It seems that, although loved by the Duke of Albany, this lady prefers the knight Ariolant.