Isabella (commedia dell'arte)

Isabella is a stock character used in commedia dell'arte, in the class of innamorata (female lover). She is generally portrayed as headstrong, flirtatious, sensuous, and articulate. She is typically depicted as Pantalone's daughter and he often tries to control her life by arranging meetings with inappropriate overaged gentlemen suitors. Men constantly fall hopelessly in love with her and she loves to tease and test them. She is frequently the innamorata of the play. She is typically a prima donna. she is also known as an amore as is her male co-star. Most of the commedia dell'arte plays are about getting the lovers (Isabella and Flavio) to be together. Her costume is in light colours to show innnocence and generally has a heart motif. She wears pearls and gold to show her high status but is eventually brought low because of the hopelessness of her infatuations. Her walk is more of a teeter, leaning heavily towards her aim then pulling away at the last moment.

Isabella is named in honor of Isabella Andreini an actress and poet who played the character with the commedia troupe I Gelosi.