In the plays there are a number of roles, the servants, the old men, the lovers. The old men keep the lovers from each other, the servants cause trouble and through their wit bring the two together again. Harlequin is an acrobat in the servants, sometimes quick-witted, sometimes dull, but a popular one, so he is seen often. In fact one could say that most of them have a failing in regard to their wit or common sense, save for Columbina. She was lover to Harlequin, but would use both him and the old men to bring the play to its' end.