The story of 伶

actor, clever

伶 is composed of the BuShou of 人(man) and 令(to order, to command), 令 also has the meaning of causing or making something happen, a performer need to follow the order or instruction(such as music or script) , so 伶 means actor or actress. On the other hand, someone who can follow the order or instruction, should be clever, so 伶 is also used to describe someone who is witty or intelligent.