Italian comedy {commedia dell'arte} [1545 to 1763] had professional actors, who improvised using comic dances, stock gestures, and stock characters. Commedia dell'arte evolved from gypsy traveling theaters {carro di tespi} (thespian).
characters
Arlecchino (Harlequin) is Pantalone's poor servant, who has cat, pig, or monkey mask and has a stick to hit people.
Brighella (Figaro or Scapin) is Arlecchino's partner and likes money and women.
Columbina (Colombina, the Servant, Columbine, Harlequine, or Pierrette) is the Innamorati's intelligent maidservant, Arlecchino's lover, and a plotter.
Il Capitano (the Captain) is a boastful but cowardly soldier.
Il Dottore (the Doctor), Dottore Balanzone, or Dottore Graziano is a rich aristocrat.
Innamorata (Lover) is leading lady. Innamorato (Lover) is leading man. These two lovers are Amorosi or Innamorati.
Isabella (Lucinda, Cornelia, Silvia, or Rosaura) is Pantalone's attractive and teasing daughter, whom he introduces to old rich men.
Pagliaccio (Clown) is a clown.
Pantalone (Pantalon de' Bisognosi or Pantaloon) is a rich miser, Isabella's father, and Arlecchino's cruel employer.
Pedrolino (Pierino, Vicenza, or Pierrot) lives in fantasy and wears a white mask.
Pulcinella (Punch) is hunchback who likes women.
Scaramuccia (Scaramouche) is a swordsman who can replace Il Capitano. He is typically a servant who wears all black, including black velvet mask and hat.
La Ruffiana is an old woman who gossips and bothers the Lovers. Gianduia is a good peasant. Zanni is a poor old servant.
Arts>Literature>Drama>Kinds>Comedy
2-Literature-Drama-Kinds-Comedy
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Date Modified: 2022.0224