Characters and Literary Roles in El Filibusterismo

A comprehensive guide to the characters of Jose Rizal's El Filibusterismo and the classifications of literary characters.

Simoun

A wealthy jeweler wearing colored glasses who serves as an advisor to the Captain General; he is actually Juan Crisostomo Ibarra in disguise seeking revenge.

Isagani

A poet who is the boyfriend of Paulita Gomez and the nephew of Padre Florentino.

Basilio

A student of medicine and the boyfriend of Huli.

Kabesang Tales

A character seeking rights to the ownership of the land he farms, which is being claimed by the friars.

Tandang Selo

The father of Kabesang Tales who was accidentally shot by his own grandson.

Senyor Pasta

The legal advisor to the friars regarding legal problems.

Ben Zayb

A journalist who desires to become famous.

Placido Penitente

A student who lost his motivation to study due to school-related problems.

Padre Camorra

A priest described as having the appearance of an artilleryman.

Padre Fernandez

A Dominican priest known for having an independent and liberal mind.

Padre Salvi

The former parish priest of the town of San Diego.

Padre Florentino

The uncle of Isagani.

Padre Irene

The advisor to Kapitan Tiyago.

Don Custodio

A character widely known by the name 'Buena Tinta'.

Juanito Pelaez

A student who is favored by the professors.

Macaraig/Makaraig

A wealthy student who wished to establish the Academy of the Spanish Language but disappeared during a time of crisis.

Sandoval

A Spanish official or clerk who sides with the cause of the students.

Donya Victorina

The aunt of Paulita Gomez.

Paulita Gomez

The girlfriend of Isagani who eventually married Juanito Pelaez.

Quiroga

A Chinese merchant who wishes to establish a consulate in the Philippines.

Huli

The daughter of Kabesang Tales and the girlfriend of Basilio.

Hermana Bali

The person who urged Huli to ask for help from Padre Camorra.

Hermana Penchang

A wealthy and prayerful woman whom Huli served.

Protagonista (Protagonist)

The main character in a short story, play, or novel; they are not always good individuals and can sometimes be unlikable.

Antagonista (Antagonist)

Often labeled as 'evil,' these characters serve as obstacles to the protagonist's desires, plans, and goals.

Deuteragonist

Supporting characters or 'sidekicks' whose lives are not the main focus of the plot, though they may appear throughout the narrative.