Group 7

Marisa Pizzuto, Pat Brett, Zachary Thomas, Ilana Lieberman, Curtis Brock, Henry
Rosenberg

I.

Intro:
A. Opening statement:
Thesis: The characters of Capitano, Zanie, Pantalone, Isabela and Flavio
are a few of the main Stock characters in Comedia del arte. These
characters are so iconic and memorable due to their individual walk, voice
and mannerisms. These iconic and distinct trait are so influential they can
be seen in modern day versions of these "stock characters".

II.

Comedia Del Arte:

A. A style of theater in Italy during the Renaissance witch featured actors playing
stock characters. The scene of the performance were improvised around a loose
1.
B.
1.
a.
b.

plot.
Troupes- actors traveled around in troupes and performed for all social classes.
Style: Comedia is known for its district style created by the physicality of the actors.
Mask- Specific character wore masks that extenuated the features of the face.
Capitano mask features a large noise creating a phallic symbol.
Because you couldnt see the face, this caused the emotion to be expressed in large

physical gestures.
2. Lazzi- The bit or joke. Each character has their own recurring jokes that audiences
look forward too.
a. Drinking someones drink with a long straw.
3. Scenario- The lose Plot that is followed. Often repeated.

C. Stock Characters-A stereotypical person whom audiences radially recognize from

frequent recurrences in a particular literary tradition. They are archetypal characters
distinguished by their flatness, as a result they tend to be easy target for parody
and to be criticized as clichs.

Character: Capitano, Zanni, Pantalone, Isabella, Flavio.

III.
A.
a.
B.
C.
D.
IV.
A.

Capitano (Curtis)
Characteristics: Cowardly, braggart, soldier, clumsy, silly
Poses: Heroic
b. Walk: big, marching, chest out
Costume: Military, carries a sword
Relationship with other characters: high status compared to others
Modern Day versions: General Custer
Arlecchino (Zach)
Characteristics: a.k.a. Harlequin, the most popular of the servants known as zanni.
Can be either sly or foolish and even break the fourth wall. Degrees of loyalty and

a.
b.
B.
C.

competence depend on the play in question. Often wields the slapstick item.
Poses: Big and flashy
Walk: Who needs to walk when you can perform acrobatics?
Costume: Cheap jacket, sometimes with bells
Relationship with others: Can often drive the plot and arrange schemes on behalf of

other characters. Servant, often to either the lovers or Pantalone.

D. Modern-day versions: Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast, Sweeney Todd for a
V.

darker form
Columbina (Ilana)
A. Characteristics: Witty, confident, intelligent, helpful, quick, playful,
caring, strong
a. Poses: Hip cocked outward, bust out, and hands extended behind
back. Stand upright and "perky" and arms at sides and palms parallel to
the ground. Profile with weight shifted back on hip with arms folded under
cleavage.
b. Walk: Little flick of the foot at end of grand zanni walk.
B. Costumes: Mob cap and apron, wearing a folly dress underneath.
Skirts usually fell just below the knee. Neckline of bodice low and often frilled.
Colors like Arlecchino
C. Relationship with other: Personal maid to Isabella
D. Modern day versions: Juliets maid, but perhaps younger.
VI. Isabella (Marisa)- the lover. Young women who is in love with Flavio. She
is very vain and self-centered, but more likeable then the other characters.
A. Characteristics lives in her own world, very self-obsessed and selfish.

a. poses- The Oh no! pose, Leaning to one side with a leg sticking
out and hands folded touching cheek
b. Walk- very proud, lack firm connection with earth
B. Costumes- Nice material, very fashionable for the times
a. She does not where a mask but has on lots of makeup that
almost acts as a mask.
C. Relationship with others
a. Daughter of Pantalone
b. In love with Flavio
D. Modern day version- Blair On the TV show Gossip Girl or any
other kind of Teen Drama.

VI.

Pantelone (Patt)
Characteristics: Greedy, top of the social ladder
Poses: hunched back
Walk: hips forward for larger strides
Costume: red long johns, dark colored coat, white beard, like a mean Santa Claus
Relationship with others: father to Columbina
Modern day versions: Mr. Burns from The Simpsons
VII.
Innamorati ( Henry)
A. Charcteristics: Young lovers. Being separated causes near physical pain. Stubborn,
A.
a.
b.
B.
C.
D.

childlike, prone to tantrums

a. Walk: Prideful, lifted from chest
B. Costume: Women wore gowns of fine silk and flashy jewelry, men wore soldierlike
C.
VIII.
A.
a.
b.

uniforms.
Modern day version: Brad and Janet from Rocky Horror
Conclusion
Comedias influence:
Longevity
Influence