The Form and Function of Character lists in Plays Printed before the Closing of the Theatres.

This article traces some of the trends and anomalies in early modern play-book character lists, from the earliest printed plays up until the closing of the London theatres in 1642. It stresses the heterogeneity of these practices to provide a basis for further work. It draws out some of the influences in the development of this paratext, suggesting in particular where authors, theatres, genres and printers have a particular guiding role in their form and function. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]