THE CHARACTERS

The best-known, best-loved commedia characters might be divided into three categories:

The Zannis— Masked servants or valets, the lowest members of society. Often good-for-nothing, sometimes devilishly clever, we get the word “zaney” from their slapstick shenanigans. They include Arlecchino or Harlequin, Brighella, Pedrolino and Pierrot.

The Old Men — The masters, employers and parents at the top of the social pecking order. Usually rich, often silly, they include Pantalone, Il Capitano, Il Dottore.

The Lovers — Well-born romantic young people, innocent and light-headed with love. They are usually trying to get around the controlling Old Men with the help of their servants, the Zannis. They include Isabella, Flavio and Innamorata.

It is interesting to note that the commedia is the earliest form of theatre to employ women in prominent roles. Women tended to be cast as a “lover,” or the daughter of main character, and did not wear masks in that role.

The characters and players of the Commedia dell’Arte have forebears extending back into antiquity. In Greece and southern Italy, the Phylakes (gossip players) were popular around 400 B.C. Similarly, the Atellans won fans in southern Italy with irreverent farces in the 3^rd century B.C. Like the commedia players, these were itinerant professionals who performed in costume and mask. Attelan characters also included classic comic types – a fool, a know-it-all, a sly hunchback and a silly old man.

The commedia troupes of the Renaissance included actors, musicians, mimes, dancers, and even trained animals. These companies traveled through Italy, France and eventually England setting up temporary stages in towns along the way, with rudimentary scenery and props.