Isabella (commedia dell'arte)

Isabella is a stock character used in Commedia dell'arte. She is generally portrayed as headstrong, flirtatious, sensuous, and articulate. She is typically depicted as Pantalone's daughter and he often tries to control her life by arranging meetings with inappropriate overaged gentlemen suitors. Men constantly fall hopelessly in love with her and she loves to tease and test them. She is frequently the Innamorata of the play. She is typically a prima donna. Most of the Commedia dell'arte plays are about getting the lovers ( Isabella and Flavio) to be together.

Isabella is named in honor of Isabella Andreini an actress and poet who played the character with the commedia troupe, i Gelosi.