Most studies of Peking opera classify the Шаблон:Transl as a minor role. Шаблон:Transl roles can be divided into Шаблон:Transl (文丑), civilian roles such as merchants and jailers, and Шаблон:Transl (武丑), minor military roles. The Шаблон:Transl is one of the most demanding in Peking opera, because of its combination of comic acting, acrobatics, and a strong voice. Шаблон:Transl characters are generally amusing and likable, if a bit foolish. Their costumes range from simple for characters of lower status to elaborate, perhaps overly so, for high status characters. Шаблон:Transl characters wear special face paint, called Шаблон:Transl, that differs from that of Шаблон:Transl characters. The defining characteristic of this type of face paint is a small patch of white chalk around the nose. This can represent either a mean and secretive nature or a quick wit. Originally, there were five roles in Beijing opera, but the last role "Mo" became a part of "Chou".[2]
Beneath the whimsical persona of the Шаблон:Transl, a serious connection to the form of Peking opera exists. The Шаблон:Transl is the character most connected to the Шаблон:Transl, the drums and clapper commonly used for musical accompaniment during performances. The Шаблон:Transl actor often uses the Шаблон:Transl in solo performance, especially when performing Шаблон:Transl, light-hearted verses spoken for comedic effect. The clown is also connected to the small gong and cymbals, percussion instruments that symbolize the lower classes and the raucous atmosphere inspired by the role. Although Шаблон:Transl characters do not sing frequently, their arias feature large amounts of improvisation. This is considered a license of the role, and the orchestra will accompany the Шаблон:Transl actor even as he bursts into an unscripted folk song. However, due to the standardization of Peking opera and political pressure from government authorities, Шаблон:Transl improvisation has lessened in recent years.
The Шаблон:Transl has a vocal timbre that is distinct from other characters, as the character will often speak in the common Beijing dialect, as opposed to the more formal dialects of other characters.[3]
