Italian Comedy refers to a genre of theatrical performance that originated in Italy during the Renaissance. It is characterized by its use of stock characters, humorous situations, and often improvisational dialogue. The most famous form of Italian Comedy is Commedia dell'arte, which features masked characters like Harlequin and Columbina who engage in witty banter and physical comedy. This genre has influenced many forms of modern theater and film, emphasizing the importance of humor in storytelling. Italian Comedy often explores themes of love, social class, and human folly, making it relatable across cultures and time periods.