Stock characters are familiar to everyone, so everyone knows what they're supposed to be doing and can enjoy watching them in their roles.
a stock character in a play is the typical character in a play
Commedia dell'arte flourished during the Renaissance (1450s-1600s) in Italy. The characters were known as stock characters and depicted a set of stock scenarios.
Commedia dell'Arte is a form of Italian theatre which is characterized by improvised dialogue by a collection of fun stock characters. It is also known as a "comedy of craft".
If it weren't for commedia, the characters wouldn't be quite so dramatic on stage. For example, your drama teacher might be telling you to "not make so many large movements" instead of, "BIGGER, BIGGER, BIGGER!!!" This is because the movements and costumes in commedia are so dramatic and exaggerated, or over-the-top if you're not into big words. Good luck!
Commedia dell'arte is a type of theater performance from 16th century Italy. Actors wore masks, and plays featured stock characters.
Two stock characters of Commedia dell'Arte are Harlequin and Columbina. Harlequin is typically a clever and agile servant, known for his colorful patchwork costume and playful antics. Columbina, often portrayed as a witty and resourceful maid, often serves as the love interest and has a sharp tongue, balancing charm with intelligence. Together, they embody the themes of love and cunning that are central to the genre.
There are many stock characters in the Commedia dell'arte, all with their own characteristics, costume and mask. To name but a few most common one , you have: pulcinella, Zanni, Arlechinno, capitano, Dattore, Isabella, Il Dottore, Colombina,Tartaglia, Pantalone and Pedrolini There is a link below to an article where you can find more information.
Yes, the characters in commedia dell'arte share similarities with those in American comedy, particularly in their archetypal nature. Both feature exaggerated personalities and distinct traits that drive humor, such as the clever servant or the foolish rich man. Additionally, the use of stock characters in commedia dell'arte mirrors the recognizable roles in American sitcoms and comedic films, allowing audiences to quickly understand the dynamics at play. However, the cultural contexts and comedic styles differ, with commedia dell'arte emphasizing physical comedy and improvisation rooted in Italian traditions.
Is it Panatone? This does not seem to fit with 30a
Short comedic plays that introduced real characters who were more fully developed than characters in allegories were known as "commedia dell'arte." These plays emerged in 16th-century Italy and featured stock characters with distinct personalities and traits, as opposed to symbolic representations common in allegorical plays. Commedia dell'arte relied on improvisation and comedic situations to entertain audiences.
The main themes of commedia dell'arte include love and romance, deception and disguise, social status and hierarchy, and the satire of societal norms and behaviors. These themes are often explored through stock characters and improvised scenarios, adding humor and complexity to the performances.
Not a conclusive answer, but you could trace the use of stock characters resembling Arlecchino and others back to Roman times, so it's difficult to say who had the original idea.