The Betrothed: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Betrothed" is a historical novel set in 17th-century Italy that centers on the lives of its main characters, particularly Lorenzo and Lucia. Lorenzo, a young peasant, faces a series of challenges when his wedding to Lucia is sabotaged by the lecherous nobleman Don Rodrigo. In an effort to escape Don Rodrigo's advances, Lorenzo and Lucia temporarily separate, leading to Lorenzo's banishment from Milan after participating in a famine riot. Meanwhile, Lucia, who becomes the target of Don Rodrigo's lust, is kidnapped but vows to enter a convent if rescued. Guided by Fra Cristoforo, she learns that her betrothal to Lorenzo holds more weight than her vow to the Church, ultimately leading to their marriage.
Don Rodrigo, characterized as arrogant and malicious, meets a grim fate as he searches for Lucia, succumbing to the plague. Other key characters include Don Abbondio, a cowardly priest who hesitantly marries Lorenzo and Lucia, and an unnamed outlaw nobleman who, moved by Lucia's innocence, chooses to protect her from Don Rodrigo’s henchmen. Cardinal Federigo also plays a significant role as a protector of Lucia. The novel weaves themes of love, honor, and societal struggle amidst the rich backdrop of Italian history, engaging readers with its complex character dynamics and moral dilemmas.
The Betrothed: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Alessandro Manzoni
First published: I promessi sposi, 1827; revised, 1840–1842 (English translation, 1828; revised, 1951)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Milan, Italy
Plot: Historical
Time: the seventeenth century
Lorenzo, a young Italian peasant whose wedding is interrupted by the whim of a wicked nobleman, Don Rodrigo. Lorenzo and his betrothed seek safety by separating temporarily. He goes to Milan but is banished from the city for taking part in a famine riot. After a year, he returns to Milan and there finds Lucia ill of the plague. At last she recovers, and they are married.
Lucia (lew-CHEE-ah), Lorenzo's betrothed. the object of Don Rodrigo's lust, she is kidnapped by his henchmen. She vows to enter a convent if rescued from her kidnappers. Fra Cristoforo tells her that her betrothal vow takes precedence over her vow to the Church, and so Don Abbondio marries her to Lorenzo.
Don Rodrigo (rohd-REE-goh), an arrogant nobleman who, on a bet, plans to seduce Lucia. He dies of the plague while searching for her.
Don Abbondio (ah-bohn-DEE-oh), the cowardly parish priest ordered by Don Rodrigo not to marry Lorenzo and Lucia.
Fra Cristoforo (krihs-toh-ROH-roh), a saintly Capuchin who provides sanctuary for Lucia.
A nun, who is blackmailed into sending Lucia out of the sanctuary.
The Un-named, a powerful outlaw nobleman indebted to Don Rodrigo. His men kidnap Lucia, but her innocence persuades the noble outlaw to protect her from Don Rodrigo.
Cardinal Federigo (feh-deh-REE-goh), another protector of Lucia.