Harlequin

   In the early days of comedia dell 'arte, Harlequin was mainly a source of comedic relief and generally regarded as an "imbecile". His iconic costume of assorted coloured patches has been an element of his identity since the seventeenth century, and possibly earlier. [1] The characteristics of Harlequin changed with the actor who was portraying him. With regards to English pantomime, John Rich is again credited with transforming Harlequin into the silent, acrobatic, heroic character used in the majority of English harlequinades. [2] Rich bestowed "magical powers" upon Harlequin through his 'slapstick' or wooden bat. This prop would be used as a magic wand of sorts to foil Pantaloon's plans and gave rise to 'slapstick comedy', a genre characterized by "chases, speed, and transformations". 

[1] R. J. Broadbent, A History of Pantomime (New York: Benjamin Blom, Inc., 1901), 119.

[2] David Mayer III, Harlequin in His Element: The English Pantomime, 1806-1836 (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1969), 38.