Characters in Fuenteovejuna: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on Sep 8, 2024 in History

Characters in Fuenteovejuna

Main Characters

  • Fernán Gómez, Commander of Calatrava: The play’s main antagonist, Fernán Gómez is a powerful and ruthless man who abuses his authority for personal gain. He is driven by greed and lust, preying on the women of Fuenteovejuna, including Laurencia. His actions incite the villagers’ rebellion.
  • Laurencia: A beautiful and strong-willed young woman, Laurencia is the embodiment of the town’s spirit. She is deeply in love with Frondoso. When she becomes a victim of the Commander’s advances, her outrage sparks the villagers’ uprising, leading them to take justice into their own hands.
  • Frondoso: A brave and honorable young man in love with Laurencia. He represents courage and defiance against tyranny. His attempt to protect Laurencia from the Commander’s advances further fuels the villagers’ anger and desire for retribution.

Secondary Characters

  • Ortuño: One of the Commander’s henchmen, known for his stupidity and lack of initiative.
  • Flores: The Commander’s other henchman, more cunning and reliable than Ortuño.
  • The Master of Calatrava: The young and inexperienced leader of the Order of Calatrava, deceived by Fernán Gómez into rebelling against the King.
  • Pascuala: Laurencia’s close friend and confidante, a woman of strong character.
  • Mengo: A good-natured but somewhat timid villager who shows courage in defending women, particularly Jacinta.
  • Barrildo: A friend of Frondoso and representative of the common man in Fuenteovejuna.
  • Juan Rojo: Laurencia’s uncle, a wise and respected elder who defends the town’s honor.
  • Esteban: Laurencia’s father and one of the town’s mayors, a man of honor determined to protect his daughter and the community.
  • Alonso: The other town mayor, less prominent than Esteban but often acting as a mediator.

The Crown

  • King Fernando of Aragon: The Catholic King, known for his commitment to justice and order. He investigates the Commander’s death and ultimately absolves the villagers of Fuenteovejuna.
  • Queen Isabel of Castile: The Catholic Queen, Fernando’s wife, who shares his dedication to justice.
  • Don Manrique: A court official who advises the King and Queen.

Other Characters

  • The Councillor of Fuenteovejuna: A respected figure who initially tries to mediate with the Commander but later supports the villagers’ actions.
  • Cimbranos: Soldiers under the Commander’s command.
  • Jacinta: A young peasant girl who suffers abuse at the hands of the Commander’s men.
  • Judge: Appointed by the King to investigate the Commander’s death.
  • Musicians: Represent popular culture and provide entertainment during the play.
  • Leonelo: A young scholar who returns to Fuenteovejuna after studying in Salamanca.
  • Boy: A young boy from Fuenteovejuna who, like the other villagers, refuses to betray his community.
  • Alfonso: Another mayor of Fuenteovejuna.
  • Labrador: A farmer from Fuenteovejuna.