Messer Maco

Messer Maco (MAH-koh) is depicted as a wealthy yet foolish man driven by the ambition to become a cardinal in Rome. His delusion leads him to believe that before achieving this ecclesiastical position, he must first transform into a courtier. Throughout his misguided journey, he becomes entangled with other characters who take advantage of his naivety, notably falling victim to Maestro Andrea's schemes and being comically enamored with the courtesan Camilla.

Maestro Andrea

Maestro Andrea (ahn-DRAY-ah) is characterized as a charlatan with cunning intentions. His primary goal is to swindle Messer Maco by exploiting his desire to become a courtier. Maestro Andrea cunningly promises Messer Maco a transformation into courtly sophistication, deceptively teaching him dubious skills such as blaspheming, gambling, and slandering. Additionally, he uses the courtesan Camilla to further ridicule Messer Maco.

Signor Parabolano

Signor Parabolano (pah-rah-boh-LAH-noh) is portrayed as a nobleman deeply infatuated with Livia, a virtuous matron. Despite his elevated status, his pursuits are marred by the antics of those around him, including the schemes of Rosso, his groom, and the devious plans of the procuress, Alvigia.

Valerio

Valerio (vah-LEH-ree-oh) is the steadfast chamberlain to Signor Parabolano. Demonstrating unwavering loyalty, Valerio is a staunch defender of his master, particularly against the mocking taunts of Rosso, Parabolano’s groom. His dedication to Parabolano adds a layer of integrity within the master-servant dynamic.

Rosso

Rosso (ROHS-soh) serves as Signor Parabolano’s groom, characterized by his mischievous and roguish nature. As a sworn adversary of Valerio, Rosso is entrenched in a personal vendetta. He devises a cunning plan to exploit his master's desires, aiming to curry favor with Parabolano and exact revenge on Valerio by aligning with Alvigia.

Alvigia

Alvigia (ahl-VEE-jee-ah) plays the role of a procuress involved in a conspiracy with Rosso to enable an encounter between Signor Parabolano and the virtuous Livia. Her involvement adds a layer of intrigue and deception, as she navigates the complexities of matchmaking under the guise of loyalty.

Togna

Togna (TOH-nyah) is the wife of a baker, embroiled in the antics surrounding Signor Parabolano’s love life. In a twist of mistaken identity, she is employed in a ruse where she is substituted for Livia during a nocturnal encounter with Parabolano. Disguised in her husband's clothing, she becomes an unwitting participant in the comedy of errors.

Arcolano

Arcolano (ahr-koh-LAH-noh) is Togna’s husband, a baker who finds himself caught in the midst of his wife’s escapades. Discovering Togna’s disguise, he follows her to the procuress’s abode, humorously clad in her attire. His presence at the scene leads to the eventual revelation of the charade to Signor Parabolano.

Livia

Livia (LEE-vee-ah), esteemed for her virtue, becomes the object of Signor Parabolano’s infatuation. Her role as the desired yet unattainable figure adds a poignant contrast to the comedic scheming that envelops her presence.

Camilla

Camilla (kah-MEEL-lah) stands as a courtesan whose charms ensnare Messer Maco. Utilized by Maestro Andrea, she becomes instrumental in highlighting Maco’s foolishness, serving as a catalyst for the charlatan’s elaborate ruses.