Stupid Zanni class characters

thumb|The classical appearance of the Harlequin stock character in the commedia dell'arte of the 1670s, complete with batte or "slapstick", a magic wand used by the character to change the scenery of the play ([[Maurice Sand, 1860)]] Harlequin (, , ; , ) is the best-known of the comic servant characters (Zanni) from the Italian commedia dell'arte, associated with the city of Bergamo. The role is traditionally believed to have been introduced by the Italian actor-manager Zan Ganassa in the late 16th century, was definitively popularized by the Italian actor Tristano Martinelli in Paris in 1584–

thumb|upright|Pulcinella in a 19th-century Italian print thumb|upright|Capodimonte porcelain jar with three figures of Pulcinella. [[Naples, Italy, 1745–1750.]] Pulcinella (; ) is a classical character that originated in commedia dell'arte of the 17th century and became a stock character in Neapolitan puppetry. Pulcinella's versatility in status and attitude have helped maintain the character's popularity in various forms since his introduction to commedia dell'arte by in 1620.

thumb|Scapino by Jacques Callot, 1619 Scapino or Scapin is a character from the commedia dell'arte. He is a zanni, or servant, who fools his master. He was popularized by the actor Francesco Gabrielli, who became closely associated with the role in the early 17th century.

thumb|A Courtesan and Burattino, 1594 engraving from Duchartre, p. 271 thumb|Burattino, 1594 engraving from Duchartre, p. 301