Commedia dell'arte

Commedia dell'arte is an early form of theatre originating in Italy during the Renaissance. It has several typical stock characters, like Arlecchino (or Harlequin), Colombina and Pierrot.

Agatha Christie and the Commedia dell'arte

 * Harley Quin is often associated with (or likened to) the character Arlecchino (or Harlequin).
 * Mr Satterthwaite likes to visit a restaurant called Arlecchino.
 * At one time Mr Satterthwaite encounters Harley Quin at a pub called Bells and Motley. The Harlequin character is often dressed in motley clothing.
 * In the short story The Affair at the Victory Ball, six people are dressed as Commedia dell'arte characters at a fancy dress ball.
 * At a performance Anna Denham is dressed as Columbine and Mr Quin is dressed as Harlequin. (Harlequin's Lane)