What are the 3 types of commedia characters?
Commedia characters are fixed types who fall into one of three categories:
- The Servants (eg: Arlecchino or Columbina)
- The Masters (eg: Pantalone)
- The Lovers (eg: Isabella and Flavio )
Who is Arlecchino in love with?
6. Colombina. Colombina is usually cast as a mischievous maid in the Commedia dell’Arte, a comic but not always virtuous figure with a best friend (and sometimes lover) of Arlecchino. Her costume is usually simple, representing what maids wore in the 1700s.
Is Brighella a Zanni?
Originally one of the comic servants, or zanni, of the commedia, Brighella was a jack-of-all-trades whose loyalty as a soldier, hangman’s varlet, assassin, or gentleman’s valet could be easily bought. Because of his almost sentimental view of love, though, the young lovers could trust him.
Is Pulcinella A Zanni?
Two types of Zanni Mezzetino and Brighella are examples of the First Zanni; Arlecchino and Pulcinella are examples of the Second. A scenario must always have at least two Zanni. The first Zanni is known to be clever and witty, and is known as il furbo (It. “the clever”).
What animal is Pantalone?
When this occurs, he is often amusingly “turtle-like” and is often stuck in that position until assisted. Pantalone can do all of the movements of the other characters, but they are greatly hindered because of his old age.
What does Zanni look like?
Dei Zanni (“the zanni”) was a generic term for the commedia dell’arte itself. The zanni’s costumes consisted of a wood or leather half mask with hair and beard glued to it, a loose blouse, wide trousers, and a wide-brimmed or tall conical hat with long feathers.
Who is Columbine Harlequin?
Columbine (Colombina in Italian) is a lovely woman who has caught the eye of Harlequin. In the original commedia dell’arte she was variously portrayed as a Pantaloon’s daughter or servant. In the English harlequinade she is always Pantaloon’s daughter or ward.
Is columbina a Zanni?
In the early days of the Commedia, such roles were associated with entr’acte (“between acts”) dancers with names such as Franceschina, Smeraldina, Olive and Nespola. Later they progressed to becoming counterparts to the Zanni characters, and thus the coquettish Colombina was born.
Is Arlecchino A Zanni?
The principal character among them was often called simply Zanni, while his companion(s) had various names—Scapin, Scaramouche, Pedrolino, Arlecchino (Harlequin), or Pulcinella (Punch). Frequently two zanni played contrasting roles, the first clever and adept at confounding and the second a dull-witted foil.
Is Pantalone a master?
Pantalone originated as part of a master/servant duo and was the original il Magnifico stock character. Carlo Goldoni, in his memoirs, named Pantalone as one of the four primary Commedia dell’Arte characters.
Who is Pantalone in love with?
Although anxious about his reputation, he engaged in flirtations with young girls who openly mocked him. In the Italian commedia, Pantaloon was frequently paired with Dottore (q.v.) as a parent or guardian of one of the lovers.
What are 3 characteristics of Zanni?
Zanni were valet buffoons, clowns, and knavish jacks-of-all-trades. All possessed common sense, intelligence, pride, and a love of practical jokes and intrigue. They were, however, often quarrelsome, cowardly, envious, spiteful, vindictive, and treacherous.