Characters
Characters Discussed
Leander
Leander (lee-ahn-DEHR), a rogue with gentlemanly qualities who impersonates a rich, mysterious nobleman. Although he is in love with Silvia, he does not want to marry her under false pretenses.
Crispin
Crispin (krees-PEEN), Leander’s accomplice, who pretends to be his servant. He arranges Leander’s marriage by playing the self-interest of one creditor against another.
Silvia Polichinelle
Silvia Polichinelle (poh-lee-chee-NEHL-yeh), a rich young woman who convinces Leander that they are united by the greatest bond of interest, love.
Signor Polichinelle
Signor Polichinelle, Silvia’s miserly father, who is forced to agree to the marriage and dowry.
Signora Polichinelle
Signora Polichinelle, Silvia’s mother, who despises her husband as a vulgar tradesman.
Doña Sirena
Doña Sirena (see-REH-nah), an aristocratic but penniless widow who foresees making money for arranging Silvia’s marriage.
Columbine
Columbine (koh-lewm-BEE-neh), the maid and confidante of Doña Sirena. She is won over by Crispin.
An innkeeper
An innkeeper, who is deceived by Crispin’s rudeness into thinking that Leander is an important noble.
Harlequin
Harlequin, an impoverished poet in love with Columbine and befriended by Crispin in the name of Leander.
A captain
A captain, a down-at-the-heels rogue, also befriended by Crispin.