DOOL Famous Plots: A Tale of Two Romans

In 1986, a mysterious man suffering from severe amnesia stumbled into Salem. Dr. Marlena Evans worked with the stranger to slowly recover his memory and was shocked when certain familiar patterns started to emerge. When she discovered that he had undergone extensive plastic surgery, she paid a visit to the surgeon; there she discovered pictures of her missing husband, Roman Brady! She was convinced that she had found Roman and readily welcomed the stranger in to her home, her bed, and her life.

'Roman Brady' resumed his role as parent and husband for the next five years, until the real Roman Brady returned to Salem in 1991! Roman had finally escaped from captivity and determined to reclaim his rightful position in Marlena's life. The mysterious stranger adopted the name John Black and moved out of the house confused and alone. John struggled with his identity  until discovering that he was Forrest, the presumed dead brother of Lawrence Alamain. With his identity established, John reclaimed his inheritance from Vivian and worked to establish himself in Salem.

John, however, was still in love with Marlena and had difficulty moving out of her life. When he announced that he was moving away from Salem, he and Marlena shared one last night of passion. That night they conceived a child (Belle) and John ultimately decided to stay. Roman and John continued to compete for Marlena's love over the next several years. Although they both shared a name and a common role in Marlena's life, she now loves each man separately as Roman and John.