Characters of La Celestina
Main Characters
Calisto
A young, affluent man with a good economic situation. His primary servants are Pármeno and Sempronius, later replaced by Sosia and Tristán.
He embodies romantic and exalted love, is a dreamer, yet also pessimistic, insecure, and lacking self-confidence. His dignity does not prevent him from pursuing Melibea, trusting Celestina and his servants. His downfall may stem from accepting advice without questioning the truth. He is irresponsible, depending on his servants for everything, even as they seek to ruin him. His sole desire is to achieve carnal love with his beloved Melibea.
Key traits: Insecure, lacks self-confidence.
Melibea
Melibea’s character, like others in the play, is complex and often confusing, depending on the situation. She is a woman of high lineage who presents a facade to her parents that is far from her true self. She maintains an image of innocence for them while hiding her real desires behind her honor and impeccable reputation, deceiving everyone except Celestina and her maid.
Once influenced by Celestina, she unleashes her most passionate side, previously hidden under the guise of honor.
Calisto describes her physically multiple times throughout the play, noting her green, almond-shaped eyes, medium nose, small mouth, and long blond hair, which she often wears collected. In short, she is described as a beautiful girl.
Celestina
Celestina is arguably the central figure of the play, as everything revolves directly or indirectly around her actions. Perversely, reflecting the image of ‘loose women’ in the Middle Ages, this old madam was a prostitute in the past.
She is perverse, false, avaricious, and cruel. She uses her experience and knowledge of human weaknesses to manipulate others.
Her knowledge of magic, combined with her experience and greed, triggers the events that lead to the tragedy of the work.
Secondary Characters
Pármeno
Calisto’s servant. Initially loyal, he tries to make Calisto realize that Celestina’s true motive is money.
However, lust and sin lead him to join Celestina, transforming him into a cynical and unfair character who values only money and sexual pleasure.
He understands love solely as something physical, not spiritual.
Sempronius
Calisto’s servant. He is instrumental in leading Calisto to perdition by introducing him to Celestina.
Key traits: Liar, manipulative, hypocritical, cynical, unfair, spiteful, cowardly, covetous, resentful, and ambitious.
Pleberio
Melibea’s father. He is a generous and caring father, perhaps misled by Melibea. This contrasts with the typical feudal lord who prioritizes honor and authority above all else. Despite being deceived by Melibea, he shows overwhelming paternal love for her. His excessive pampering of Melibea could be seen as irresponsible and a contributing factor to the tragic ending his daughter suffers.
Key traits: Warmly human, understanding, non-authoritarian, affectionate, hesitant, unwise, innocent, weak, and confused regarding his daughter.
He trusts the education he and his wife have given their daughter.
Alisa
Melibea’s mother. She is proud and arrogant due to her social position, often authoritarian with her daughter. Her character can sometimes seem contradictory.
Elicia
A cheerful prostitute, short-sighted, and overly dependent on Celestina.
Key traits: Impulsive, daring, jealous, lazy, weak.
Areúsa
The other maid of Celestina. She appears weak and innocent but proves to be fierce, cunning, and arrogant, quite the opposite of Elicia.
Sosia and Tristán
Calisto’s servants who appear after the tragic deaths of Pármeno and Sempronius. These two servants provide significant help to Calisto.
Sosia is good-natured but stupid and unconscious, serving as a tool for revenge.
Lucrecia
Melibea’s maid. She dislikes Calisto.
Centurio
A typical bully who acts tough. He collaborates with Areúsa to avenge Celestina’s death.