What are the typical characters in Lope de Vega’s cloak-and-sword plays?

In the cloak-and-sword drama (comedia de capa y espada) of Lope de Vega, the characters are primarily drawn from the upper-middle class, reflecting the manners and social conventions of the era.12

The typical cast includes:

• Gallants and Ladies: These central figures are defined by their romantic entanglements, as they fall endlessly in and out of love. Their actions are frequently driven by the conventional Spanish pundonor ("point of honour"), which dictates that men must be brave and proud, while women are expected to maintain their chastity or fidelity.312
• Servants: The affairs of the masters are mirrored or parodied by their servants, who provide a parallel layer of action.12
• The Gracioso: A specific type of valet who serves as a crucial character, offering common-sense commentary and witty observations on the follies and manners of his social superiors.13

These plays focus less on deep character development and more on intricate plotting, misunderstandings, and the social dynamics between the sexes.32