So just what are Stock Characters?
Though there is much debate as to the origins of Commedia Dell'Arte there is no doubt as to the usage of its beloved stock characters. It is though that the stock characters we are familiar with today find their roots in the Roman Comedies of Plautus. Also, it's well know that Plautus sought his inspiration for their usage from the Atellan Farce. In this section you will find four types of Stock Characters: The Old Men, The Lovers, The Zanni, and Other Masked Characters.