Punchinella
A pot-bellied rascal, Punchinella would often feature in a performance concocting outrageous schemes, to satisfy his own ends.

Derived from more than one character in the Roman theatre, he is given a split personality which sometimes resulted in several Punchinella's (Punchinelli?) being on stage at one time. A quick-witted and self-sufficient character he could be sharp and devious, though always crude, vulgar and dishonest.

As time went by, his back became more and more hunched (to counter balance his enlarging belly) eventually leading to the form of the Punch puppet, familiar to people in Punch and Judy shows. Typical costume was black trousers, large white shirt and conical hat.