Noli Me Tangere - Characters

The character of Noli Me Tangere and their characteristics in the story

Crisostomo Ibarra

– A young, idealistic Filipino who returns from Europe to improve his country but faces corruption and tragedy.

Maria Clara

– Ibarra’s love interest; known for her beauty, modesty, and deep religious faith, representing the ideal Filipina.

Padre Damaso

– A Spanish friar who is arrogant and abusive of power; he has a secret connection to Maria Clara.

Kapitan Tiago (Don Santiago de los Santos)

– A wealthy and influential man who pretends to be devout to gain favor from the Church.

Sisa

– A poor mother who loses her sanity after her two sons disappear; symbolizes the suffering of the Filipino family.

Basilio

– Sisa’s eldest son, a young sacristan who experiences trauma but survives and continues his journey in El Filibusterismo.

Crispin

– Basilio’s younger brother, wrongly accused of theft and mysteriously disappears (implied to be killed).

Elias

– A mysterious and brave man who helps Ibarra; he represents revolution and the voice of the oppressed.

Padre Salvi

– A cunning and manipulative friar who secretly desires Maria Clara and abuses his religious influence.

Doña Victorina

– A Filipina who denies her heritage and pretends to be Spanish; known for her vanity and arrogance.

Don Tiburcio de Espadaña

– Doña Victorina’s Spanish husband; a timid and powerless man often controlled by his wife.

Pilosopo Tasyo

– A wise philosopher and intellectual often considered mad; symbolizes unheeded wisdom.

Alperes

– The head of the civil guards; power-hungry and frequently clashes with the friars.

Doña Consolacion

– The cruel wife of the Alperes; known for her harsh behavior and fake sophistication.

Tiya Isabel

– Maria Clara’s conservative aunt who takes care of her and upholds traditional values.

Tenyente Guevarra

– A loyal officer of the guardia civil and friend of Ibarra’s father; helps reveal the truth to Ibarra.

Sinang

– One of Maria Clara’s cheerful and supportive close friends.

Victoria

– A quiet but observant friend of Maria Clara.