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Il Capitano (Italian: [il kapiˈtaːno]; lit. 'the Captain') is one of the four stock characters of commedia dell'arte.[1] He most probably was never a "Captain", but rather appropriated the name for himself.[2]
Several types of il Capitano exist. Deriving from the Miles Gloriosus of Plautus, the first famous type of il Capitano, best represented by the local Capitan Spaventa, was ambitious and boastful but also a dreamer with positive connotations. The other type of il Capitano was a braggart and a swaggerer[3] able to maintain his claims only by benefit of the fact that none of the locals knows him. He is usually a Spaniard,[4] most probably inspired by the boisterous Iberic caudillos who told tall tales of their exploits either in the conquest of the Americas or in the wars with the Muslims. Capitano matamoros best represents this type of il Capitano.
Il Capitano often talks at length about made-up conquests of both the militaristic and the carnal variety in an attempt to impress others, but often ends up impressing only himself. He gets easily carried away in his tales and doesn't realise when those around him don't buy his act. He would be the first to run away from any and all battles, and he has trouble talking to and being around men. He is also extremely opportunistic and greedy. If hired by Pantalone to protect his daughter from her many suitors, il Capitano would set up a bidding war for his services or aid between the suitors and Pantalone while wooing her himself. If he is hired to fight the Turks, he will bluster about fighting them to his last drop of blood, but when the Turks seem to be winning, he will join them. When they are driven off, he will change sides again and boast about his loyalty and bravery.