Commedia dell'Arte Stock Characters to Know for Acting for the Stage

Commedia dell'Arte features a vibrant array of stock characters, each with unique traits and roles. These characters, like Arlecchino and Pantalone, highlight themes of social status, love, and humor, shaping the foundation of theatrical performance in history.

1. Arlecchino (Harlequin)

   • A clever and agile servant known for his colorful patchwork costume.
   • Often embodies the role of the trickster, using wit and physical comedy to outsmart others.
   • Represents the theme of social mobility, as he often rises above his lowly status through cunning.

2. Pantalone

   • A wealthy, miserly merchant characterized by his red trousers and long, hooked nose.
   • Often serves as a foil to the younger characters, representing greed and the older generation's values.
   • His obsession with money and status often leads to humorous situations and conflicts.

3. Il Dottore

   • A pompous and often foolish doctor, typically dressed in academic robes.
   • Represents the theme of false knowledge, as he often spouts nonsensical medical jargon.
   • His character serves as a critique of the medical profession and societal pretensions.

4. Il Capitano

   • A braggart soldier who boasts of his bravery but is often cowardly in reality.
   • Dressed in flamboyant military attire, he embodies the archetype of false heroism.
   • His exaggerated bravado and romantic pursuits often lead to comedic situations.

5. Colombina

   • A clever and resourceful maid, often seen as the voice of reason among the characters.
   • Typically portrayed as a love interest for Arlecchino, she is independent and witty.
   • Represents the theme of female empowerment within the male-dominated world of Commedia.

6. Innamorati (The Lovers)

   • A pair of young lovers, often portrayed as naive and idealistic.
   • Their romantic entanglements drive much of the plot, creating tension and conflict.
   • Serve as a contrast to the more scheming and comedic stock characters.

7. Brighella

   • A cunning and opportunistic servant, often acting as a schemer or manipulator.
   • Typically dressed in a white shirt and green vest, he is more sophisticated than Arlecchino.
   • Represents the theme of social cunning, often navigating between different social classes.

8. Pulcinella

   • A hunchbacked character known for his distinctive mask and comedic antics.
   • Often embodies the role of the fool, using humor to critique societal norms.
   • His character is associated with the lower class and often highlights the struggles of the common people.

9. Zanni

   • A generic term for the comic servant characters in Commedia, often portrayed as foolish and naive.
   • Represents the working class and their struggles, often providing physical comedy.
   • Their antics often drive the plot and create chaos among the other characters.

10. La Signora

    • A refined and often manipulative female character, typically of higher social status.
    • Represents the complexities of love and power dynamics in relationships.
    • Often serves as a catalyst for conflict, using her charm and wit to influence others.