In Restoration comedies, character names primarily convey:

In Restoration comedies, character names primarily convey personality traits, reflecting the playfulness and often satirical nature of the genre. This underscores the comedic intentions of the playwrights during this period, as names are crafted to reveal or exaggerate the characteristics of the characters, thereby helping the audience quickly understand their roles within the narrative.

For instance, a character named "Heartfree" might suggest a carefree or hedonistic nature, while another named "Fiddleham" could imply someone who is frivolous or deceptive. This technique not only enhances the comedic aspect but also allows for clever wordplay and immediate audience engagement, as the names resonate with the social commentary prevalent in Restoration theatre.

Other options like conveying physical appearances, background stories, or referencing famous historical figures may be elements of character development in different contexts or genres, but they do not encapsulate the primary function of names in Restoration comedies. The focus here is more on the satirical representation of societal behaviors and personality archetypes, which is central to the humor and critique in this genre.