House of Trials

     Aside from the convention that Dr. Fletcher kindly pointed out that states that "comedias like to tell rather than show their exposition," there could be character types based on social class. All of the highclass characters played tragic roles while the servants played more comedic roles. This can be seen from the various actions of the servants as opposed to the actions of their masters. For instance, in the first act when Carlos and Castano are in Ana's house, Carlos is adamant in his love for Leonor, a very honorable trait. In contrast, Castano talks about Ana's wealth, and the fact that his stomach is empty. Also in act one when Carlos first enters into the house, Castano begs for sanctuary under Ana's skirts. This request would not be tolerated by a nobleman, and Carlos responds with a command of silence and an insult.
     Another convention the could be deduced from this play is having oppositional characteristic traits between the two comic servant characters. This can be gathered from several instances throughout the play. First I would like to start with an evaluation of Castano. Though not a picture of nobility by any means, Castano had a central characteristic, that is he was loyal to his master to the end. An instance of this is when he ventures into the streets wearing a dress. As the convention first stated would agree, a man in a dress would be hilarious, but not becoming of royalty. The dress was a disguise so that he could roam the streets without being found and killed since his master was still a wanted man. In contrast, Celia is conniving. At the beginning of the play Ana and Celia talk about Ana's suitors and loves. Celia then lets the audience know that she's secretly stashed Don Juan, a suitor Ana has withdrawn from, in Ana's room for the purpose of allowing Don Juan the chance to take Ana by force. That being said, Celia is the opposing characteristic of loyalty embodied by Castano.