Bel Canto: Analysis of Major Characters

Author: Ann Patchett

First published: 2001

Genre: Novel

Locale: The vice president's mansion in an unnamed South American country

Plot: Romantic thriller

Time: Late twentieth century

Katsumi Hosokawa, the founder of Nansei, an extremely successful Japanese electronics corporation. He is determined and industrious, qualities that led him from a modest childhood to an adult life as a wealthy man. His greatest passion is for the opera, and he has traveled many times to hear Roxane Coss sing. The party is thrown in his honor, and although he has no intention of investing in the country, his devotion to Roxane's voice is enough to bring him across the world. Outside of this devotion, he is a very serious man and prefers to spend time building his business rather than indulging in parties or travel. He is married with two children, although his life outside of the mansion never brings him true happiness. He falls in love with Roxane.

Roxane Coss, an American soprano opera singer. Slim and small with hair she dyes blonde, her voice is so powerful that few seem to hear it without falling in love with her. The constant attention and adoration she receives have given her a warped view of the world, and she often behaves like a prima donna who sees herself as more important and valuable than other people and expects all of her needs to be met. Over time in the mansion, she begins to shake some of these egotistical notions and care for others, especially those who show her kindness and share her love of music. She falls in love with Katsumi.

Gen Watanabe, the translator employed by Katsumi. Although only in his twenties, he is able to speak a great number of languages with ease, a fact that makes him valuable to both the novel's terrorists and hostages alike. He is sensitive and kind, although he struggles with self-confidence, and his insecurities become more pronounced when he is forced to spend so much time with people wealthier and more successful than he is. He sincerely cares for his employer. After developing feelings for the terrorist Carmen, he begins to build some confidence and asserts himself more regularly.

Carmen, an intelligent young woman and terrorist with strikingly good looks. One of only two female terrorists, she disguises herself as a man for the first part of the hostage situation and is good at slipping by unnoticed in social situations. She speaks Quechua, a language native to the central Andes of South America. She asks Gen to teach her to read and write Spanish, and their lessons together lead to a romance. She comes to view herself as the personal bodyguard for Roxane and even sleeps in the singer's bed at times. Her love for the hostages and loyalty to the terrorists causes her internal conflict.

General Benjamin, one of the leaders of the terrorists. Formerly a schoolteacher, the unjust arrest of his brother by the government radicalized his politics and changed the course of his life. Because he is older than many of the other terrorists, they often turn to him for advice. Having left behind his own family, he believes that life is a difficult and painful thing and has no problems with killing others if necessary. However, he is also very intelligent and comes to form a friendship with Katsumi over games of chess.

Ruben Iglesias, the owner of the mansion and vice president of the country. He found his way to his position of power through hard work. He was born into poverty and takes his position as host seriously. He worries often about the needs of everyone trapped in his house and tries to maintain the amenities as much as possible given their circumstances.

Joachim Messner, a representative from the Red Cross who communicates between the terrorists and the outside world. While others are lulled into the life of the mansion, he is more aware that a violent ending is inevitable. Despite this awareness, however, he is able to come across as lighthearted, and the terrorists all respect him.

Simon Thibault, an ambassador from France. Since moving to South America, he has fallen in love with his wife again and worries about her constantly. He is not one for grand gestures and can sometimes act as a coward.

Father Arguedas, a young priest who quickly comes to sympathize with the terrorists. He chooses to stay in the mansion when offered release because he considers it a religious duty. Later, because he so deeply loves opera, he will view his months at the mansion as a blessing.

Tetsuya Kato, an employee of Katsumi. He has trained as a pianist and comes to accompany Roxane, realizing over time that he finds more joy in music than in any other aspect of his life.

Victor Fyodorov, a Soviet official. He falls in love with Roxane through her music although he knows they will never be together.

Oscar Mendoza, a South American man who worries about the safety of his daughters who are outside of the house. Despite his concerns, he still comes to care for the terrorists.

Cesar, a young and unattractive terrorist. When Roxane does not sing one morning, he takes her place, revealing his incredible talent.

Beatriz, a second female terrorist. She is one of the quickest terrorists to anger or threaten violence.

Christopf, the accompanist to Roxane who elects to stay in the mansion and die early on rather than leave her.

President Masuda, the president of the country. He skips the party in order to stay home and watch his favorite soap opera.