Not to be confused with the fun-loving psycho-next-door from the DC Universe, the OG Harlequin was a wily servant with a chequered costume created in the Commedia dell’arte, the improv theatre of 16th-century Italy. Although the character's origins can be traced back to demon-like characters in French passion plays, the Harlequin trope evolved over the centuries.

Tristano Martinelli is the first actor known to have used the name ‘Harlequin’, which was later adapted to ‘Arlecchino’ for Italian audiences. His character boasted immense physical agility, intelligence and the ability to eat a lot of food quickly. By the time English pantomimes had adopted the trope, Harlequins were paired with clowns, which is probably why so many of us see clowns as evil.