In Commedia the plot is created by the interrelationships between the half mask, quarter mask and “unmasked” characters of the Commedia dell’arte. Relationships with themselves, each other and the audience. This is the three sides of the triangle of complicite.

All characters are “masks” (archetypal persona) whether they have a piece of leather in front of their face or not .

Longer more complex stories are called Scenario (That which is pinned to the Scenery.)

The Scenario contains a list of all the entrances and exits and the vital business to be included in the performance.

The smaller are called Cannovacci (That which is pinned to the Canvas.)

A Cannovacci can be played with as little as three characters whilst an ideal number for a scenario is around ten.

Both contain Lazzi (Slapstick, burles and pratfalls.)

The skilful physical acrobatics which Commedia is perhaps best known for.