Arlecchino Italy Type of Zanni, comic servant stock character in commedia dellarte, improvised Italian comedy of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Partnered with Brighella, Arlecchino and his mental shortcomings usually complicated the clever scheming of Brighella. Originally the role of Arlecchino was a peasant boy. He was usually the servant to Pantalone, the duped father or husband.