In most of the plays of Shakespeare there are clowns or fools and they appear to be synonymous terms. There is, however, a distinction between a clown and a fool. A clown is not professional, nor is he attached to the court or the rich man's household. Clowns or fools are the rich legacy from the Morality and Miracle plays. Launce in The Two Gentlemen of Verona, has been described as almost the first of the Shakespearian clowns. The professed Fools in the plays of Shakespeare are the wisest.n most of the plays of Shakespeare there are clowns or fools and they appear to be synonymous terms. There is, however, a distinction between a clown and a fool. A clown is not professional, nor is he attached to the court or the rich man's household. Clowns or fools are the rich legacy from the Morality and Miracle plays. Launce in The Two Gentlemen of Verona, has been described as almost the first of the Shakespearian clowns. The professed Fools in the plays of Shakespeare are the wisest.Key Words: clown, fool, jester, comedy, court