1) Usually the first actor to enter the stage in noh plays, the waki sets the scene and draws out the tale of the shite by posing questions. Many waki portray travelling priests, others are courtiers, emissaries, or other male characters. The waki never wears a mask and hence plays only living, male characters. After his entrance scene, the waki is seated at upstage left beside the waki spot. Waki actors, who play only waki and wakizure roles, belong to three schools: Fukuo, Hosho and Takayasu. 2) The similar role in noh-like kyogen. Compare ado.