Characters of 20th Century Spanish Literature

Posted on Oct 13, 2024 in English

Max Estrella (Bradomín): The protagonist, an alter ego of Valle-Inclán, a blind and cynical poet.
Don Latino de Hispalis: Max’s companion, a bohemian and opportunistic character.
Basilio Soulinake: A tall, thin, red-bearded anarchist with envious eyes.
The two corpses: Stoic philosophers, accustomed to work.
Rubén Darío: The modernist poet, appearing in scenes IX and XIV.

Pascual Duarte: The protagonist, uneducated, driven by instinct, and ultimately a victim of his circumstances.
Rosario: Pascual’s sister, who suffers alongside him.
Esteban Duarte: Pascual’s violent and authoritarian father.
Lola: Pascual’s first wife, described as beautiful but cruel.
Mario: Pascual’s innocent and helpless half-brother.
Pascual’s Mother: A negative influence in Pascual’s life, characterized by her unpleasantness and lack of maternal instinct.
Rafael: Pascual’s loving stepfather.
El Estirao: A disturbing element in the family’s peace.
Esperanza: Pascual’s second wife, religious and modest.
Pascualillo: Pascual’s son, a symbol of hope, albeit short-lived.

Tremendismo: Depicts the brutal aspects of reality to reflect on the human condition.

Bernarda Alba: The authoritarian matriarch, enforcing strict rules on her daughters.
Angustias: Bernarda’s eldest daughter, representing repressed love.
Magdalena: Bernarda’s second daughter, kind and understanding.
Martirio: Bernarda’s third daughter, selfish and vengeful.
Amelia: Bernarda’s fourth daughter, shy and yearning for freedom.
Adela: Bernarda’s youngest daughter, rebellious and defiant of her mother’s rules.
Pepe el Romano: Angustias’ fiancé, a symbol of male desire.
La Poncia: Bernarda’s maid, insightful and somewhat manipulative.
María Josefa: Bernarda’s elderly mother, representing freedom and escape.