Theatre characters introduced in the 16th century

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–

Turkish shadow theatre

love interest of the legendary outlaw Robin Hood in English folklore

thumb|Portrait of Tiberio Fiorilli as Scaramouche by Pietro Paolini thumb|J. S. Grimaldi as Scaramouche, thumb|Scaramuccia in 1860 Scaramouche () or Scaramouch (; Italian: Scaramuccia ; ) is a stock clown character of the 16th-century commedia dell'arte (comic theatrical arts of Italian literature). The role combined characteristics of the Zanni (servant) and il Capitano (masked henchman), with some assortment of villainous traits. Usually attired in black Spanish dress and burlesquing a don, he was often beaten by Harlequin for his boasting and cowardice.

thumb|right|Brighella, from the 16th century Brighella (Bergamasque dialect: Brighèla) is a masked comic character from the Italian theatre style commedia dell'arte. His early costume consisted of loose-fitting white smock and pants with green trim and was often equipped with a ' (also ' or '''', depending on region) or slapstick, or else with a wooden sword. Later, he took to wearing a sort of livery with a matching cape. He wore a greenish half-mask (traditionally an olive-green color) displaying a look of preternatural lust and greed. It is distinguished by a hook nose and thick lips, along

thumb|Two standard servants opposite a well-dressed, unmasked woman, La Dona Lucretia, who represents '''''' (; ) were stock characters within the theatre style known as commedia dell'arte, who appeared in 16th-century Italy. In the plays, everything revolved around the lovers in some regard. These dramatic and posh characters were present within plays for the sole purpose of being in love with one another, and moreover, with themselves. These characters move elegantly and smoothly, and their young faces are unmasked unlike other commedia dell'arte characters. Despite facing many obstacles, t

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|Pedrolino scuffles with the Doctor, 1621 Pedrolino is a primo ('first') Zanni, or comic servant, of the commedia dell'arte; the name is a hypocorism of Pedro ('Peter'), via the suffix -lino. The character made its first appearance in the last quarter of the 16th century, apparently as the invention of the actor with whom the role was to be long identified, Giovanni Pellesini. Contemporary illustrations suggest that his white blouse and trousers constituted "a variant of the typical Zanni suit", and his Bergamasque dialect marked him as a member of the "low" rustic class. But if his costu

left|thumb|Mezzetino (Watteau)|Mezzetino by [[Antoine Watteau]] Mezzetino or Mezzettino () is a character from the commedia dell'arte, and is considered by Duchartre to be a variant on the stock character Brighella. His name means 'Half-Measure (of liquor)' in Medieval Italian, and he is sometimes called in French and English plays "Mezzetin". He first appeared in the 16th century.

thumb|right|220px|Beltrame Beltrame (in Milanese: baltramm) is a traditional character of the ''commedia dell'arte associated to the city of Milan, and dating back to the 16th–17th century or earlier. It is also often referenced by the full name Beltrame di Milano and also as Beltrame di Gaggiano (from the borgo – now a comune'' – of Gaggiano, in the surroundings of Milan) or Beltrame de la Gippa (where the "gippa" is the large blouse, or tunic, worn by the character).