Stock characters

Definition

Stock characters are stereotypical figures that represent specific traits or roles, often found in literature and drama. These characters are instantly recognizable due to their familiar characteristics, allowing audiences to easily understand their function in the story. In the context of Restoration Drama and Comedy of Manners, stock characters help convey social norms and comedic elements by embodying exaggerated traits like the witty servant, the naive young lover, or the pompous aristocrat.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Restoration Drama, stock characters were essential for delivering humor and social commentary through recognizable archetypes.
2. Common stock characters include the cunning servant, the foolish old man, and the flirtatious woman, each playing a significant role in advancing the plot.
3. The use of stock characters allows playwrights to focus on plot development and witty dialogue instead of deep character development.
4. Stock characters often serve to satirize societal norms and behaviors, reflecting the values and issues of the time period.
5. Restoration comedies frequently used stock characters to create comedic situations and misunderstandings that drive the narrative.

Review Questions

• How do stock characters function within Restoration Drama to enhance comedic elements?
  • Stock characters in Restoration Drama function by providing instant recognition for the audience, allowing them to engage with the humor and satire presented in the play. These characters embody exaggerated traits that create comedic situations, such as misunderstandings or ironic contrasts between their intentions and actions. By relying on familiar character types, playwrights can craft humorous scenarios that highlight social norms and behaviors of the time.
• Discuss how stock characters contribute to themes of social critique in Comedy of Manners.
  • Stock characters significantly contribute to themes of social critique in Comedy of Manners by exaggerating specific traits that reflect societal flaws. For example, characters like the pompous aristocrat or the scheming servant highlight issues of class disparity and hypocrisy prevalent in society. This exaggeration enables playwrights to critique these social structures while entertaining audiences through witty dialogue and humorous interactions, effectively blending comedy with commentary.
• Evaluate the impact of stock characters on audience engagement and narrative structure in Restoration plays.
  • Stock characters have a profound impact on audience engagement and narrative structure in Restoration plays by simplifying character recognition and focusing attention on plot dynamics. Their predictability allows audiences to quickly grasp the roles these characters play in driving the story forward. This focus on recognizable figures fosters a sense of familiarity that enhances enjoyment while also allowing playwrights to explore intricate plots filled with humor and irony. Ultimately, stock characters serve as both tools for entertainment and vehicles for deeper commentary on societal issues.

Related terms

Archetype: A universally recognized symbol or character type that recurs across literature and storytelling, often representing fundamental human experiences.

Stereotype: A widely held but oversimplified belief or idea about a particular group of people or things, often leading to preconceived notions about their behavior or characteristics.

Character foil: A character whose qualities contrast with those of another character, typically highlighting particular traits and enhancing the overall narrative.