Vecchio

For the river in Corsica, see Vecchio (river). For the surname and people named Vecchio, see Vecchio (surname).

Vecchio (Italian: [ˈvɛakk yo]; pl.: vecchi; meaning 'old one' or simply 'old') is a category of aged, male characters from Italian commedia dell'arte theatre. The primary members of this group are Pantalone, il Dottore,^[1] and il Capitano.^[2] Pantalone and il Dottore are the alter ego of each other: Pantalone being the decadent wealthy merchant, and il Dottore being the decadent erudite.^[1]

They are overwhelmingly the antagonists, opposing the love of the innamorati; the comic ending is produced when the Zanni manage to overcome them and unite the lovers.

See also

• Commedia dell'arte