Stock Characters
This section describes the various stock characters on whom Plautus
drew.
Parasite
Though the name "parasite" is rather misleading, this character does
leech off of the main characters in the show. Rather than suck their
blood, he instead empties their tables, asking the main characters to
feed him in return for pleasant company. One example from within the
two plays focused on in the webpage is that of Ergasilus from
Captivi (The Prisoners). During Ergasilus's opening speech he
explains the role of a parasite in Roman Comedy, saying
"To say the truth, we are termed Parasites ... For .... we
always live upon provisions not our own ... We Parasites, in times of the
vacation, keep ourselvs snug; and while into the country those are
retired, on whom we us'd to feed, poor we support the natural call of
appetite from our own juices. We in the vacation are thin as hounds; but
when men come to town, we are as plump as mastiffs, full as troublesome,
and as detested."
(Captivi, Act I, Scene 1)
Another pesky type of parasite:
Click Here
Tricky Slave
The tricky slave is perhaps the most interesting of the stock characters.
He always finds a solution to his young master's erotic problems (often
while humilating his young master's father) and usually earns his freedom
for doing so. Miles Gloriosus (The Swaggering Soldier) contains an
excellent example of not only this stock character, but this stock
problem. Palaestrio helps his young master (Pleusicles) win back the
woman he is in love with (Philocomasium) from the braggart warrior who
stole her away (Pyrgopolynices). He contrives lies (Philocomasium has a
twin sister who is in town) and outwits Pyrgopolynices just long enough
for Pleusicles and Philocomasium to jump on the boat and sail back to
Athens where they belong and live happily ever after. This is how
Palaestrio describes his cunning plan:
"We must get to the business that's at hand. First things
first. Now you two listen. Periplectomenus, I need your help. You see,
I've found a brilliant subterfuge by which (a) to shave our soldier
close, whiskers, lovely locks, and all; and (b) to achieve this objective
for our lover here and Philocomasium: namely, that he bring her here and
have her."
(Miles Gloriosus, Act III, Scene 1)
Young Lover
This is the character who falls in love with a courtesan whom he cannot
have for some reason or other, and the master of the tricky slave. He
often thinks of nothing except the girl he is in love with, and finances
or aids the tricky slave with his plan, often freeing the tricky slave
when he suceeds.
Courtesan
Often a character serving little more than an objection of affection for
the young lover, the female courtesan is a leading figure who is in love
with the young man, and wants to be with him. Occasionally she turns out
to be freeborn, and has become a courtesan by some unfortunate mishap,
and once she has discovered her true identity, she marries the young
lover. Just as often, however, she settles merely for being bought by
the young lover.
Old Man
This character, often the father of the young lover, serves as an
authority figure who imparts wisdom upon the young man, and adheres to
traditional values. His view often contrasts with the young lover's,
leading them into conflict which is usually resolved by the old man
giving in to the young lover, or at least admitting that the young lover
is not a corrupt youth, but instead leads his life is a moralistic
fashion.
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