'lovers')[2] were stock characters within the theatre style known as commedia dell'arte, who appeared in 16th-century Italy.
[3] These dramatic and posh characters were present within commedia plays for the sole purpose of being in love with one another, and moreover, with themselves.
[4] The dramatists of the Italian Renaissance borrowed ideas from early Roman playwrights, such as Plautus and Terence, whom the theater style known as commedia erudita was inspired by.
This is necessary, because due to their conceited stupidity, and lack of experience with all of the mysteries of love, and the sensations and emotions that come with it, they cannot figure it out on their own.
Separation from their lover leads them to strongly lament and moan their state, although, once they finally meet, they are at a loss of words.
When not getting their way, they become completely devastated, they pout, and even cry and whine if things do not go according to their wishes.
[11] The women's dresses were of the finest silks and they wear showy jewelry characteristic of Renaissance style.
[5] The lovers never wear the masks, which is characteristic of most of the other stock characters in the commedia dell'arte.
They do, however, wear a large amount of makeup and apply beauty marks to their faces.
[6] Their language is full of flamboyant and lofty rhetoric so that most of what they say is not taken too seriously, by either the audience or the other characters.