Pantalone

Pantalone (Italian: [pantaˈloːne]), spelled Pantaloon in English,[1] is one of the most important principal characters found in commedia dell'arte.

[9] The character of Pantalone is entirely based on currency and ego, for he has the highest regard for his intelligence, "but at every step he becomes the butt for every conceivable kind of trick".

While the social standing of merchants may have changed through many centuries, the intent for Pantalone was to ensure that he had the status that allowed him to meddle in the affairs of others.

Pantalone is presented either as a widower or bachelor, and despite his age, makes numerous passes at the women within the commedia world, "though he is always rejected".

[14] Pantalone is also displayed either as a single man or a widower, and not withstanding his age, makes various "attempts" at the ladies inside the commedia world and is always rejected.

[17] Pantalone's inappropriate enthusiasm for the young ladies inside the commedia world is abundantly borne out in the previously mentioned Capriccii.

"[18] Sexual symbolism is very prominent as illustrated in Della bellezza, and crudeltà d'una donna, one elderly person communicates along these lines:[19] The traditional Pantalone stance is that of a hunch-backed old man.

[12] A lot of Pantalone's comedy stems from the fact that his excitable actions greatly contradict the senile position that the actor takes.

The characteristics of the costume also include a Greek style hat, a jacket, a pair of long trousers or breeches with stockings, a tight jacket, a woollen skullcap, a robe or cape, a prominent codpiece or strategically placed coin purse,[12][22] a black and red robe and yellow Turkish slippers.

[21] Because of his skinny legs, Pantalone is often portrayed wearing trousers rather than knee-breeches (which Jacques refers to as "his youthful hose, well sav'd, a world too wide/For his shrunk shank").