Stock Characters

Definition

Stock characters are recognizable, stereotypical figures that are commonly found in various forms of storytelling, including theatre. They often embody specific traits or roles, such as the hero, the villain, or the comedic sidekick, making them easily identifiable to audiences. These characters are crucial for establishing a framework within a play, providing familiarity and predictability in the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Roman comedy, playwrights like Plautus and Terence utilized stock characters such as the cunning servant or the foolish old man to create humor and drive the plot.
2. Restoration comedy is known for its reliance on stock characters like the witty socialite or the puritanical moralist, reflecting societal norms and values of the time.
3. Greek comedy featured stock characters like the boisterous clown and the crafty slave, which were crucial for delivering social commentary and satire.
4. Commedia dell'Arte is characterized by its use of specific stock characters, each with distinct traits, such as Arlecchino (the clever servant) and Pantalone (the greedy merchant), which allowed for improvisation within a structured framework.
5. Stock characters have remained relevant in modern storytelling, influencing genres like romantic comedies and action films, where recognizable roles continue to engage audiences.

Review Questions

• How do stock characters enhance the comedic elements found in Roman theatre?
  • Stock characters enhance comedy in Roman theatre by providing audiences with familiar archetypes that they can easily recognize and relate to. For example, characters like the clever servant and the bumbling old man create humorous situations through their predictable behaviors and interactions. This familiarity allows playwrights to focus on crafting witty dialogue and situational comedy while relying on these established character types to elicit laughter from the audience.
• In what ways do stock characters reflect societal norms in Restoration comedy and drama?
  • Stock characters in Restoration comedy often mirror the societal norms and values of the time by embodying specific traits associated with different social classes. For instance, the witty socialite represents the upper class's frivolity and charm, while the puritanical moralist critiques those same values. This use of stock characters allows playwrights to comment on contemporary society while engaging audiences through humor, making their works both entertaining and reflective of the cultural context.
• Evaluate how stock characters in Commedia dell'Arte influenced modern character archetypes in contemporary media.
  • Stock characters from Commedia dell'Arte have significantly influenced modern character archetypes by establishing recognizable traits that resonate with audiences today. Characters like Arlecchino and Pantalone laid the groundwork for the comedic tropes we see in contemporary films and television shows. The predictable behaviors of these stock characters allow creators to build narratives that play off established stereotypes, making it easier for audiences to engage with stories while also offering opportunities for subversion or complexity that challenge these traditional roles.

Related terms

Archetype: A typical example of a character that represents universal patterns of human nature, serving as a model for stock characters.

Cliché: An overused expression or idea that has lost its original impact due to repeated use, often applied to stock character traits.

Characterization: The process by which an author reveals the personality and traits of characters in a story, including how stock characters can be developed or subverted.