TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS The stories behind the
traditional Carnival characters lend meaning and significance to
these unusual portrayals. Often an individual plays one specific
persona year after year and is familiar with the traditions
associated with that role. The custom is usually passed on
orally to family members or other interested persons. According
to Elma Reyes, some of these portrayals were performed as “mas'
for money” (16). The masqueraders would offer entertainment in
the form of humour, songs or skits in exchange for money. In
some cases threats and scare tactics were used to coerce
bystanders into giving them cash. Some of the best known
characters are as follows: The baby doll character was portrayed
mainly in the 1930's, but is still seen every year at Ole Mas
competitions. The masquerader portrays a gaily dressed woman,
decked out in a frilled dress and bonnet. In her arms she
carries a doll which symbolises an illegitimate baby. The
masquerader usually stops male passers-by and acc