Mechanicals are a group of characters in William Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream. They are typically portrayed as common laborers or artisans who come together to perform a play for the Duke's wedding. Their comedic attempts at theater highlight themes of creativity and the nature of performance. The group includes characters like Bottom, a weaver who is transformed into a donkey, and Quince, the carpenter who directs their play. The Mechanicals' humorous interactions and misunderstandings provide comic relief and contrast with the more serious romantic plots in the story.