Characters of Noli Me Tangere

Characters of Noli Me Tangere

• The novel features a cast of characters reflecting Filipino society during the Spanish colonial period.
• Key characters include Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, Maria Clara, Elias, Don Santiago de los Santos, Fray Damaso Verdolagas, Fray Bernardo Salvi, Fray Hernando Sybila, Sisa, Basilio, Crispin, Don Anastacio, Doña Victorina, Don Tiburcio, Gobernador General, Pia Alba, Doña Consolacion, and Alferez.
• Each character embodies specific social or political aspects of the era.

Juan Crisostomo Ibarra

• The only son of Don Rafael Ibarra.
• He spent seven years studying in Europe.
• He is characterized as outspoken and idealistic.
• Ibarra exhibits patience and seriousness, but can become violent and impulsive under provocation.
• He serves as a reflection of Rizal himself.
• He represents the idealism of the privileged class.
• Ibarra is deeply interested in Maria Clara.

Maria Clara

• A religious woman and a faithful sweetheart, a good friend, and an obedient daughter.
• Characterized by childish simplicity and nervousness.
• Her character mirrors Rizal's childhood sweetheart, Leonor Rivera.
• Maria Clara embodies the purity and innocence of a sheltered Filipino woman.

Elias

• Elias distrusts human judgment and prefers God's justice.
• He favors revolution over reforms, representing the common Filipino.
• Elias is portrayed as the personification of Andres Bonifacio, a key figure in the Philippine Revolution.
• He is hiding from authorities and is destined to save Ibarra from death.

Don Santiago de los Santos / Kapitan Tiyago

• Don Santiago is the foster father of Maria Clara.
• He's described as a good Catholic and a friend of the Spanish government.
• He symbolizes the wealthy Filipinos who oppress their compatriots.

Fray Damaso Verdolagas

• A talkative and cruel priest.
• He raped Doña Pia, mother of Maria Clara, and repeatedly hinders Ibarra's relationship with Maria Clara.
• Fray Damaso represents the Spanish friars of Rizal's time.
• He was the former parish priest of San Diego.

Fray Bernardo Salvi

• He manipulates individuals to achieve his goals.
• Described as thin and sickly, but with a hidden desire for Maria Clara.
• Fray Bernardo is the Franciscan curate of San Diego.

Fray Hernando Sybila

• A Dominican friar, cool, intelligent, and adept at correcting Padre Damaso.
• He possesses knowledge and understanding of the unjust practices.
• Sybila is the curate of Binondo, and previously was a professor at Letran College.

Sisa

• A deranged mother of Basilio and Crispin with great love for her children.
• Described as beautiful and young, despite her inability to protect her children from the abusive Pedro.
• Personifies the suffering of the Filipino motherland.
• Named after Rizal's older sister, Narcisa.

Basilio and Crispin

• Basilio is ten years old and an acolyte who rings the church bells.
• Crispin is seven years old, often talks about silly things, and is Sisa's favorite son.
• Both Basilio and Crispin were wrongly accused of crimes.
• Their story is based on the real-life tale of Crisostomo.

Don Anastacio / Pilosopo Tasyo

• Once considered a foolish uneducated person now seen as a philosopher.
• He spent most of his money on books and now lives in poverty.
• Represents the learned Filipinos.
• He is a pessimist.
• A brother to Paciano Rizal.

Doña Victorina

• An ambitious Filipino woman who has a skewed view of her identity.
• She is the wife of Don Tiburcio.

Don Tiburcio de Espadaña

• Don Tiburcio, Doña Victorina's husband, is timid and rarely participates in conversations.
• He makes a living as a quack doctor.
• He represents the ignorant Spaniards whose carelessness causes hardship for Filipinos.

Gobernador General

• Holds the second most powerful rank in the colonial government.
• He ranks below the King.
• Supported Ibarra in his conflict with Fray Damaso.
• Represents the colonial Governors.

Pia Alba

• A young, healthy, and beautiful woman with strong spiritual beliefs.
• Becomes melancholic during pregnancy.
• Represents the women who faced abuse from the clergy.

Doña Consolacion

• The wife of the Alferez shares conflict with the priest, notably Padre Salvi
• Known for disputes with her husband,
• Often switches between Tagalog and Spanish, even when unfamiliar with the meaning of the Spanish words.
• Symbolizes Filipinos embarrassed by their nationality.

Alferez

• The husband of Doña Consolacion, who clashes with Padre Salvi.
• Involved in conflicts with the church officials.
• Represents the officials of the state who engage in power struggles with the Church.

Salome

• The sweetest sweetheart of Elias.