What characters appear in Korean masked dance performances?

Korean masked dance performances, often referred to as sandae plays, feature a variety of stock characters represented by masks made of paper, gourds, or wood. These characters are central to the performances, which traditionally utilize satire to critique social and religious figures.12

Common stock characters include:

• Monks: Often depicted as depraved or corrupt, serving as a frequent target for social satire.1
• Noblemen: Frequently portrayed to expose the corruption and venality of the gentry and ruling officials.12
• Shamans: Representing traditional spiritual roles.1
• Young dancing girls: Often featured alongside other archetypal figures.1

The masks themselves are boldly painted to distinguish these roles. While the specific stories and characters can vary by village, the performances typically involve singing, dancing, pantomime, and dialogue that allow actors to improvise and satirize the social order. Historically, these masks were sometimes viewed as having ritual purity, and they were occasionally burned and recreated annually.12