Pantomime as Pantalone; and "zanni" (servants) such as Arlecchino, Colombina, Scaramouche and Pierrot. Italian masque performances in the 17th century sometimes included the Harlequin character. In the 17th century, adaptations of the commedia characters became familiar in English entertainments. From these, the standard English harlequinade developed, depicting the eloping lovers Harlequin and Columbine, pursued by the girl's father Pantaloon and his comic servants Clown and Pierrot. In English versions, by the 18th century, Harlequin became the central figure and romantic lead. The basic plot of the harlequinade remained essentially the same for more than 150 years, except that a bumbling policeman
Superman character and cast the more mild-mannered Clark Kent that is traditionally associated with the character. Clark is a reporter at the Metropolis newspaper the "Daily Planet", which allows him to keep track of events in which he might be able to help. Fellow reporter Lois Lane is often the object of Clark's affection. Lois's affection for Superman and rejection of Clark is a recurring theme in Superman comics and media adaptations. In the Modern Age comics Superman considers himself Clark Kent first and Superman second. Before the Crisis on Infinite Earths (i.e., DC comics published up to the early 1980s), the attitude was