I have recently been studying the stock characters of Commedia dell’arte. I have been tasked with finding modern implications of the characters which started in 16th century Italy, and here is a list of some characters whom I think resemble those of Commedia dell’arte.
Magnifico – The Master of Laketown from “The Hobbit” displays characteristics of Magnifico, he is an aristocratic individual; he is wealthy and above (in class) the citizens of Laketown – his living quarters are even secluded from them. He was initially ignorant toward the risks of Smaug the dragon attacking Laketown and cared more for the riches hidden inside the dragon’s lair. When the dragon attacks Laketown he is more interested in saving his possessions (mainly gold) than helping his people.
Il Capitano – Gilderoy Lockhart from “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” is an Il Capitano character as he continuously brags about his endeavours, but as is revealed toward the end of the story; he is a fraud. He also has a charm to him which he uses to interest witches.
Il Dottore – Alfrid the Councillor from “The Hobbit” is a deceiving, rude, slimy and generally wealthy man who thus conveys traits of Il Dottore
Pantalone – Mr Burns from “The Simpsons” is a perfect example of a Pantalone character – he is old, wealthy, has a servant (Smithers) and believes everything has a price
1st Actress and 1st Actor –Belle and the beast from Beauty and the Beast partially convey traits of this character architype, as they are the romantic leads although more seriously built in character compared to the original Commedia dell’arte duo
Colombina – Columbia (coincidentally) is a Colombina character. In “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” she serves as a maid-like character who is in love with her master and then Eddie
Arlechinno – Baldrick from “Blackadder” is an Arlechinno due to his consistent lower status coinciding with his cunning plotting
Brighella – Edmund Blackadder from the tv series “Blackadder” falls into this character due to his always being second best status along with greed and a considerable amount of cowardice
Zanni – Manuel from “Fawlty Towers” is also a good example of a Zanni character; he is abused and of the lowest status
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