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.

[5] He took on several different roles, including that of the merchant and of Colombina's father trying to force his daughter into a marriage of convenience (a part he shares with Tabarino).

[6] He often reaches his goals in virtue of his lack of scruples, astute rhetoric, and mock good manners.

[7] Beltrame has long been the main representative of Milan in the commedia, although this role was later taken on by Meneghino.

[9] Beltrame has inspired Molière's character Mascarille, from the comedy L'Étourdi ou Les Contretemps (The Blunderer, 1655).