Polichinelle vs Guignol

Polichinelle is the French form of Pulcinella, the masked figure of the Italian commedia dell'arte. Traditionally shown as a hunchbacked Neapolitan with the roles of servant, jester, and verbal troublemaker, he became an important figure in French puppet theatre and was later used as a presenter or central character in children's shows, including stories associated with Guignol.

Guignol is the main character in a form of puppet theater originating from Lyon, France, created by Laurent Mourguet around 1808. The character was designed as a working-class silk weaver, representing the Lyonnais common people, with a distinctive appearance including three braids of hair at the back of his head. The Guignol performances traditionally address social issues and political satire th...