The Courtesan: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Courtesan: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into a range of intriguing personalities within a narrative centered on themes of desire, deception, and societal roles. The story features Messer Maco, a wealthy but naive man seeking to become a cardinal, who becomes entangled in the schemes of Maestro Andrea, a charlatan aiming to exploit his gullibility. Signor Parabolano, a nobleman in love with the virtuous Livia, navigates complex relationships with his loyal chamberlain Valerio and the scheming groom Rosso, who seeks to undermine him. The presence of Alvigia, a procuress, and Togna, a baker’s wife who masquerades for Parabolano, adds layers of intrigue and mistaken identity to the plot. The narrative is enriched by the character of Camilla, a courtesan who plays a pivotal role in manipulating Messer Maco's affections. Through these interwoven characters, the work explores the dynamics of power, virtue, and the often murky waters of romantic pursuits, making it a compelling study of human interactions and motivations.
The Courtesan: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Pietro Aretino
First published: La cortigiana, 1534 (English translation, 1926)
Genre: Play
Locale: Rome, Italy
Plot: Satire
Time: Early sixteenth century
Messer Maco (MAH-koh), a wealthy fool who is in Rome to become a cardinal. He is deluded into the notion that he must first become a courtier.
Maestro Andrea (ahn-DRAY-ah), a charlatan. Hoping to fleece Messer Maco, he promises to transform him into a courtier and gives him lessons in blaspheming, gambling, slandering, and related arts.
Signor Parabolano (pah-rah-boh-LAH-noh), a nobleman enamored of the virtuous matron Livia.
Valerio (vah-LEH-ree-oh), Parabolano's loyal chamberlain, who defends his master against the jeers of the groom Rosso.
Rosso (ROHS-soh), Parabolano's groom, a rascal and the sworn enemy of Valerio. He plots to pander to his master's lust, win his favor, and thus take revenge on Valerio.
Alvigia (ahl-VEE-jee-ah), a procuress in league with Rosso to secure Livia for Parabolano.
Togna (TOH-nyah), a baker's wife substituted for the inaccessible Livia in a nocturnal assignation with Parabolano. She steals away to the tryst in her husband's clothes.
Arcolano (ahr-koh-LAH-noh), a baker, the husband of Togna. He catches his wife in her disguise and follows her, dressed in her clothes, to the house of the procuress, where Parabolano discovers the ruse.
Livia (LEE-vee-ah), a virtuous matron and the object of Parabolano's lust.
Camilla (kah-MEEL-lah), a courtesan beloved by Messer Maco and used by Andrea to make a fool of him.