Firstly I will have to inform all of you about Commedia Dell' Arte since it plays a big role here. The definitive answer all traces down to Commedia Dell' Arte, which is where the Harbingers and Pierro come from. Commedia Dell Arte is an early form of professional theatrical art, derived from Italy, where the majority of the scenarios are improvised, relying on the actors's wit and creativity, though they have to follow obvious outlines for each scene. The art features sets of stock characters such as the Zanni and the Zecchi, whom are always masked. It also features the main protagonists that are both named Innamorati. There is no "official" version of a Commedia Dell' Arte, anyone can direct one, you can direct one, you can create your own interpretation, Hovoverse is making their OWN interpretation. The only thing you must follow, is the stock characters' habits/personality/purpose.

Innamorati

We'll start from the Innamorati. The Innamorati (the Lovers) are a central element in Commedia dell'Arte performances. These characters are typically young, attractive, and deeply in love, often serving as the emotional core of the story. The male is the inamorato and the female is the inamorata

Unlike many other characters in the genre, the Innamorati do not wear masks, emphasizing their humanity and sincerity. Their costumes are often extravagant, reflecting their upper-class status and romantic idealism. In the story they're eventually split, normally in most versions, they're separated for reasons such as parental disapproval, misunderstandings, or schemes.

Due to Commedia's improvised over-the-top acting, the Innamorati will both act petty, dramatic, faint, deliver impassioned monologues about their sadness, they'll even seek loving advice from other characters.

Zanni

Now for the Zanni. Zanni are the comic servant characters in Commedia dell'Arte. They are typically lower-class figures whose antics, scheming, and physical humor drive much of the comedy. The term "Zanni" is a catch-all for a wide range of servant roles, from crafty and resourceful to foolish and bumbling. The Zanni are the engine of Commedia dell'Arte plots, as their schemes and misunderstandings often create chaos. They are driven by simple needs— usually hunger or love-and their actions set up the comedic misunderstandings that define the genre. Whether cunning or foolish, the Zanni characters represent the humor and resilience of the lower classes, often triumphing over their masters through sheer resourcefulness. They usually are the cause of the separation of the Innamorati by accident, but they do try to help in getting the two back together., let's just say they're not the best at it.

Vecchi

To finalize this part of the post, we go to the Vecchi. These characters are another essential group in Commedia dell'Arte, representing the older, upper-class figures who are often the source of conflict or comedy in the plays. The name "Vecchi" means "old men" in Italian, though it can also encompass older women or characters who embody authority, greed, or foolishness. The Vecchi serve as the comedic antagonists, their flaws and exaggerated traits making them easy targets for ridicule by the Zanni and others. They represent outdated values or greed, often standing in the way of youthful love or freedom.

Their eventual defeat or humiliation is central to the resolution of the play, highlighting the triumph of wit and love over authority and foolishness.

So in general the Vecchi and Zanni are two sides of the same coin, they are mostly responsible for the separation of the Innamorati, though not always.

List of names for Vecchi and Zanni.

There are multitudes of Zanni in the story, countless of them, its just that Hoyoverse chose to only incorporate some of them to the story.

Examples for Zanni names(not all related to Genshin)

• Arlecchino
• Columbina
• Brighella
• Truffaldino
• Scapino
• Mezzertino
• Pagliaccio(not Pierrot)
• Zagna
• Fritellino
• Gianduja
• Pasquariello
• Bertoldo

The list goes on, I didn't mention a lot of familiar ones.

Vecchi are more limited

Examples for Vecchi(not all related to Genshin)

• Dottore
• Magnifico
• Ruffiana
• Zanobio
• Gorgibus
• Sorbetto

The list goes on again.

Onto Genshin. Innamorati?

As many of you readers might've guessed; Aether and Lumine represent none other than the Innamorati. They're not lovers, but the underlying meaning is very clear, especially when we emphasize on the Innamorati being split through the story. Does this mean the Fatui has something to do with their separation? Not really, the Zanni, again, aren't always the cause of the Innamorati's separation. This is Hoyoverse's version of Commedia Dell' Arte. The Innamorati are allegories for people who are inseparable but managed to be so. Just like our twins. The twins have been separated throughout the story, and the mc has to put up with the fatui occasionally.

Commedia Dell' Arte IS NOT the only inspiration behind the Fatui Harbingers.

Felt like I need to make this clear, The Fatui clearly have other unique inspirations behind them, such as how Scaramouche is inspired by Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen(1975), or how the Fatui might be referencing Biblical Numbers through their ranks, and the inspirations go on. I just want to prevent many interesting theories from being shutdown due to their primary origins.

Zanni and Vecchi; Harbingers

In the Fatui; these are the following Harbingers that are normally considered Zanni in Commedia Dell' Arte.

• Tartaglia
• Sandrone(In Commedia Dell' Arte; Sandrone is male)
• Scaramouche
• Pulcinella(very complex, will get to later)
• Arlecchino((In Commedia Dell' Arte; Arlecchino is male)
• Columbina

and for the Vecchi

• Pantalone
• Signora
• Dottore
• Capitano
• Pierro

As you can see, a pattern is starting to form. Aren't the only Harbingers we have playable at this moment(Tartaglia, Scaramouche, Arlecchino) all Zanni? Aren't the only Harbingers in... a tragic situation at this moment(Signora, Capitano) Vecchi? Do not worry--for the fun part is now. Let's discuss the relationship between each of the selected Zanni and Vecchi(whom the Harbingers represent) to the Innamorati(whom the Travelers represent).

Who are Zanni and Vecchi to the Innamorati

I'll suggest you to try to assimilate the Commedia's Zanni/Vecchi to their Genshin counterparts. Please remember to assimilate the Innamorati as the twins as well. I will try to help sometimes in some of these.

Tartaglia (Zanni)

• Role in relation to Innamorati: Tartaglia is a servant with a stutter, a figure of comic pathos. His primary role is as a Zanni, contributing to the humor through his speech impediment and awkwardness. He does not typically hinder the Innamorati directly, but his bumbling nature can cause confusion or delays.
• Relationship with Innamorati: Tartaglia may serve one of the lovers or be involved in the comedic action. While his stutter and clumsiness make him less of a threat, his attempts to speak or act can complicate the Innamorati's plans, especially in moments of urgency. However, his foolishness may also allow the Innamorati to take advantage of his mistakes to further their relationship.

Pantalone (Vecchi)

• Role in relation to Innamorati: Pantalone is the archetypical old man, often a father figure or wealthy merchant. He represents authority, greed, and social control. As the Vecchi (older character), Pantalone frequently attempts to control the romantic fate of the Innamorati, usually because he sees them as a way to increase his wealth or social standing.
• Relationship with Innamorati: Pantalone is typically an obstacle to the Innamorati's love. He disapproves of their relationship, especially if the lover is from a lower social class or if he believes the match will not bring him profit. Pantalone often tries to arrange marriages that benefit him, but his schemes usually fail, allowing the lovers to triumph. However, he can also be a source of humor in his absurd efforts to manipulate situations.

Signora (Vecchi)

• Role in relation to Innamorati: The Signora is a female authority figure, often the mother or matronly counterpart to Pantalone(NOT ALWAYS). She may be more concerned with societal norms and propriety than with the lovers' happiness. The Signora can represent the moral compass or social pressure of the older generation.
• Relationship with Innamorati: The Signora's relationship with the Innamorati is typically one of control. She may try to enforce social expectations, such as insisting on a marriage for reasons of status or family reputation. Often, she wants her child (especially a daughter) to marry someone of wealth or higher status, not the person they truly love. While she may attempt to block the romance, she may also become a source of comic frustration as her rigid plans are subverted by the ingenuity or persistence of the Innamorati.

Sandrone (Zanni)

• Role in relation to Innamorati: Sandrone is a rustic servant, representing the common people with their simpler values. His role is typically comedic, as he embodies a more grounded, earthy kind of humor compared to the more intellectual or refined Zanni.
• Relationship with Innamorati: Sandrone may serve or interact with the Innamorati in a way that is less about obstructing their love and more about bringing comic relief. He may act as an intermediary or assist the lovers with practical (but often clumsy) help. In some cases, his naive wisdom or simple charm can allow him to play a role in resolving misunderstandings between the lovers or helping them navigate the obstacles set by the Vecchi.

Reminder that Sandrone was chosen to be female by Hoyoverse.

P.S. Here is Scaramouche's voiceline about Sandrone, I thought it to be extremely relevant here since you can easily assimilate the similarities between Commedia's Scara and Sandrone, to Genshin's Scara and Sandrone

>'She has a terrible personality and cares for nothing outside of her own research. But even with that amount of dedication, she still produced a copious amount of garbage, and could only secure a ranking that's still one whole place beneath my own. How pitiful.'

Assimilate Commedia Sandrone's "Simple Values" to Genshin Sandrone's value for her own research.

Scaramouche (Zanni)

• Role in relation to Innamorati: Scaramouche is a clever, cynical, and often sarcastic Zanni character. He is a schemer, quick-witted, and full of himself. His interactions are more mentally devious than physically slapstick, and he has a reputation for trickery.
• Relationship with Innamorati: Scaramouche might serve the Innamorati in an unorthodox way, often using his wit to deceive or outsmart other characters. He can create conflict by complicating the romantic plot with his own agendas or by manipulating situations for his benefit. However, his schemes can also end up helping the Innamorati, especially when he uses his cleverness to expose the foolishness or selfishness of the Vecchi characters.

You can easily assimilate how Genshin Scara talks about his ex-coworkers, to how Commedia's Scara 'exposes' the Vecchi's foolishness. Personality-wise they seem to match as well.

Pulcinella (Zanni)

• Role in relation to Innamorati: Pulcinella is a comically foolish, lazy, and often grotesque Zanni figure. His character is multifaceted, as he is often portrayed as either a servant or a figure of authority depending on the production, but he maintains his role as a Zanni through his absurdity and bumbling behavior.
• Relationship with Innamorati: Pulcinella’s role in relation to the Innamorati can vary. In some instances, he might serve one of the lovers, causing trouble through his laziness or insensitivity. In other cases, he might provide comic relief that distracts the Vecchi or creates complications for the lovers’ attempts to be together. Despite his buffoonery, Pulcinella’s antics can inadvertently aid the Innamorati in overcoming obstacles, though not in a direct or intentional way.

Arlecchino (Zanni)

• Role in relation to Innamorati: Arlecchino is the quintessential Zanni, known for his agility, acrobatics, and mischievous personality. He is a servant to the Innamorati, particularly the male lover, and is often involved in physical comedy, creating chaos in his interactions with other characters.
• Relationship with Innamorati: Arlecchino is usually loyal to the Innamorati, and although his antics can create confusion, they also serve to move the plot forward. He may unwittingly help the lovers by distracting the Vecchi, creating openings for secret meetings, or using his quick wit to get the lovers out of sticky situations. His relationship with the Innamorati is often one of playful camaraderie, as he helps them get closer, albeit through unintentional chaos.
• Specific: Usually Arlecchino is paired to be Columbina's lover, but this strictly depends if the director wants to incorporate this or not. For all we know, Genshin's Arlecchino doesn't know much of Genshin's Columbina.

Reminder that Arlecchino was chosen to be female by Hoyoverse.

Columbina (Zanni)

• Role in relation to Innamorati: Columbina is a smart, sharp-witted servant and often the female counterpart to Arlecchino. While she is still a Zanni, she is usually portrayed as more capable and resourceful than most of the male Zanni characters.
• Relationship with Innamorati: Columbina is often a confidante and helper to the Innamorati, especially the female lover. She provides advice, manipulates situations, and can play a critical role in helping the lovers communicate, especially when social constraints prevent them from being open. Her intelligence and charm often make her the most helpful servant in the plot, providing solutions to the obstacles set by the Vecchi.

Dottore (Vecchi)

• Role in relation to Innamorati: The Dottore is an intellectual, often a physician or scholar, whose excessive knowledge and pompous attitude make him a figure of ridicule. He is typically portrayed as a friend or advisor to the Vecchi, often offering absurd or misguided advice.
• Relationship with Innamorati: The Dottore is often an obstacle to the Innamorati because his advice or actions are absurd, irrelevant, or counterproductive. In some cases, he may provide a form of comic relief as he tries to act as a mediator between the lovers and their parents. His attempts to help usually make things worse, creating additional tension between the Innamorati and the Vecchi.

Capitano (Vecchi)

• Role in relation to Innamorati: Capitano is a braggart and a cowardly soldier who often claims great valor but is terrified in the face of danger. He is a figure of self-aggrandizement, and his inflated ego creates much of the comedy in his interactions.
• Relationship with Innamorati: In many plots, Capitano is a rival for the affections of the female lover. His boisterous self-promotion and exaggerated masculinity are comic in nature, and he often serves as an obstacle for the Innamorati, especially if he is trying to win the love of one of them. His cowardice is revealed when he faces actual danger, and his pursuit of the woman typically ends in failure, allowing the Innamorati to triumph.

I personally think Capitano from Genshin was meant to be the opposite of Commedia's version. Especially due to how similar these versions of the characters' are to Genshin's. I am sure some of you readers have noticed this at least.

Pierrot (Vecchi)

• Pierrot is generally considered a Vecchi (older character) due to his melancholic, reflective nature and his association with the Vecchi archetype in later Commedia dell'arte adaptations. He is often portrayed as a sad clown, the tragic counterpart to the more comedic Zanni characters. His role is typically that of a servant or sometimes a rival lover, but his focus is often on unrequited or unfulfilled love, making him more introspective and emotionally complex than the usual Zanni.
• Pierrot’s relationship with the Innamorati varies, but he is often a tragic figure who falls in love with one of the female lovers but is not reciprocated. He is often seen as a figure of unrequited love and sadness, which is a more Vecchi-like trait compared to the slapstick, carefree nature of the Zanni.

Does this affect their playability?

Clearly you may be thinking, if Signora and Capitano are gone for good--and in their Commedia counterparts; they were against the Innamorati, does this possibly doom the chance of Dottore and Pantalone from being playable. The only answer I have is most likely. With Tartaglia, Scaramouche, and Arlecchino being on the traveler's side(I mostly mean that they’re our friends) in Genshin, just as in Commedia, we can form a conclusion that Sandrone, Columbina, and Pulcinella might be somehow playable, or at least be on our side in Genshin as well. However, I do not doubt the possibility of Dottore, Pulcinella, Capitano and even Signora from becoming playable as well. I am hopeful for all of the Harbingers' playabilities and I hope Hoyoverse won't fumble here.

Thank you for reading.