Ángel Guerra: Analysis of Major Characters
"Ángel Guerra" is a narrative that explores the complexities of its major characters, centered around Ángel Guerra, an idealistic widower whose troubled upbringing propels him towards revolutionary ideals. The story highlights his fraught relationship with his wealthy mother, Doña Sales, whose domineering nature ultimately drives him to associate with the notorious Babel family, leading to a tragic fate. Encarnación, Ángel's cherished daughter, serves as a symbol of innocence and love, while her tutor, Lorenza, becomes a significant figure in Ángel’s life as he seeks solace in religious faith following personal loss.
The narrative also features the morally ambiguous Babel brothers, Arístides and Fausto, whose criminal endeavors culminate in violence against Ángel, showcasing the darker aspects of human relationships. Other characters, such as Dulcenombre Babel, Ángel's mistress, and Padre Casado, his spiritual guide, contribute to the rich tapestry of the storyline, each influenced by their circumstances. Overall, the interplay of these characters paints a nuanced picture of struggle, devotion, and the consequences of familial and societal pressures in a transformative journey.
Ángel Guerra: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Benito Pérez Galdós
First published: 1890–1891
Genre: Novel
Locale: Spain
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: Late nineteenth century
Ángel Guerra (AHN-hehl GEH-rrah), an idealistic widower of thirty whose unhappy childhood causes him to turn revolutionist. Defying his wealthy, domineering mother, he chooses the company of the violent, unsavory Babel family. In spite of his later reformation, the Babel family finally causes his death.
Doña Sales (DOHN-yah SAH-lehs), Ángel Guerra's rich, overbearing mother. Her attempts to force her son into submission drive him to take up with the criminal Babel family.
Encarnación (Ción) (ehn-kahr-nah-see-OHN), Ángel Guerra's beloved little daughter.
Lorenza (loh-REHN-sah), sometimes called Leré (lehREH), Encarnación's twenty-year-old tutor. On the death of her charge, she enters a convent in Toledo where, in his loneliness, Ángel Guerra follows her. Through her influence, he seeks the comfort of the church.
Arístides García Babel (ah-REES-tee-dehs gahr-SEE-ah bah-BEHL-) and Fausto García Babel (FOW-stoh), dishonest brothers, who, in an attempt to flee justice, demand money of Ángel Guerra. They stab him in a quarrel over his refusal to pay.
Dulcenombre (Dulce) Babel (dewl-seh-NOHM-breh), Ángel Guerra's mistress. She later enters a convent.
Padre Casado (PAH-dreh kah-SAH-doh), a priest who is preparing Ángel Guerra for holy orders.
Captain Agapito Babel (ah-gah-PEE-toh), an ex-slaver.
Matías Babel (mah-TEE-ahs) and Policarpo Babel (pohLEE-kahr-poh), unsavory children of Captain Agapito Babel.
Dr. Maquis (MAH-kees), physician to Doña Sales.