Niccolosa Character Analysis in The Decameron

In Fiammetta’s ninth story (IX, 5), Niccolosa is a Florentine prostitute who entertains Bachelor Filippo at his father’s country estate. When Calandrino falls in love with her, she joins Filippo and Bruno, Buffalmacco, and Nello to prank him. Described as pretty, well mannered, and well-spoken despite her lowly occupation, her character has enough of a veneer of aristocracy to enable the satire of fin’amors in the tale.

Niccolosa Quotes in The Decameron

The The Decameron quotes below are all either spoken by Niccolosa or refer to Niccolosa. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

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He gave her a friendly greeting, which she acknowledged, then she began to stare at him, not because she found him the least bit attractive, but because she was fascinated by his odd appearance. Calandrino returned her gaze, and on seeing how beautiful she was, began to think of various excuses for not returning with the water to his companions. However, not knowing who she was, he was afraid to address her, and the girl, perceiving that he was still staring at her, mischievously rolled her eyes at him a couple of times, and fetched a few little sighs, so that Calandrino instantly fell in love with her and stood rooted to the spot till she was called inside by Filippo.

Related Characters: Fiammetta (speaker), Calandrino, Bachelor Filippo, Niccolosa

Page Number and Citation: 669-670

Explanation and Analysis:

Niccolosa Character Timeline in The Decameron

The timeline below shows where the character Niccolosa appears in The Decameron. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

One of Bachelor Filippo’s companions is Niccolosa. Although she is a prostitute employed by a Florentine pimp, she is pretty, polite, and... (full context)

When Calandrino wanders off in search of Niccolosa, Bruno tells Buffalmacco and Nello about his crush and they plan a prank to play... (full context)

To make a long story short, Calandrino neglects his work in favor of wooing Niccolosa, Niccolosa encourages him, and Bruno acts as go-between. Occasionally, Bruno and Buffalmacco claim that Niccolosa... (full context)

Bruno, having made the scroll, tells Calandrino that if he touches Niccolosa with it, she will do whatever he wants. Bruno suggests Calandrino take her to the... (full context)

In the barn, Niccolosa pushes Calandrino to the ground and then sits astride him, pinning his arms, while Bruno,... (full context)

The Niccolosa in Fiammetta’s tale has reminded Panfilo of a story about another woman by the same... (full context)

Miss Niccolosa and a Florentine gentleman named Pinuccio have fallen in love but have not yet found... (full context)

...Adriano in the “least uncomfortable” bed first. After he thinks they’re asleep, he puts Miss Niccolosa into the second. Then he and the Host’s Wife settle in the third, with the... (full context)

When Pinuccio finishes with Miss Niccolosa, he climbs back into the bed without the cradle, accidentally joining the Host, whom he... (full context)

...that he was indeed just dreaming that night, Pinuccio finds easier ways of visiting Miss Niccolosa. Remembering the good time she had with Adriano, the host’s wife comes to believe that... (full context)