Stock characters
This section explains the evolution of stock characters, as they appear in melodrama and commedia dell’arte improvisational theatre.
Introduction
Stock characters appear in many different theatre forms. They are sets of two-dimensional, stereotypical characters, which maintain the same set of physical characteristics, status, and costumes across plays typical of the particular form. Storylines are often developed around the characters. Because the characters are recognised instantly by the audience, the roles do not need to be extensively revealed through dialogue.
Stock characters
Stock characters in melodramas include:
- the hero
- the heroine
- the villain
- the bumbling sidekick
- the faithful servant
- the aged parent.
Commedia dell’arte
Commedia dell’arte is a form of improvisational theatre. It began in Italy in the fifteenth century and is still sometimes performed today. The improvised performances involve stock conventional situations, such as adultery, thwarted love, and old age, and stock characters. Some examples of these characters include:
- Pantalone
- Il capitano
- Isabella
- Columbina
- Pierrot
- Arlecchino