Why were female roles never in the last act?

Female roles were not excluded from the last act in Shakespeare's plays. In fact, many of his plays feature strong and influential female characters who play significant roles in the final act. For example:

1. "Hamlet": Queen Gertrude plays a crucial role in the last act by revealing Claudius's guilt to Hamlet and confronting him about his actions.

2. "King Lear": Cordelia leads an army to rescue her father, King Lear, and restore him to the throne in the last act.

3. "Macbeth": Lady Macbeth's guilt and mental anguish ultimately lead to her downfall and death in the last act.

4. "The Taming of the Shrew": Katherina undergoes a transformation and reconciles with Petruchio, showcasing her strength and newfound understanding in the last act.

5. "The Tempest": Prospera, the powerful sorceress, uses her magic to resolve conflicts and bring about reconciliation in the last act.

6. "As You Like It": Rosalind reveals her true identity and reunites with Orlando in the last act, leading to a happy resolution for both characters.

These are just a few examples of many plays where female roles play important roles in the last act. Shakespeare's works are rich in diverse and dynamic female characters who contribute significantly to the plot, themes, and emotional impact of his plays.