Caesar or Nothing: Analysis of Major Characters
"Caesar or Nothing: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate web of relationships and motivations surrounding Caesar Moncada, a character who embodies ambition and betrayal in a tumultuous socio-political landscape. Caesar, whose lineage includes a highwayman and a cardinal, forsakes his religious roots to pursue power, adopting the motto "Caesar or Nothing," which ultimately reflects his precarious position and failed aspirations. His uncle, Cardinal Fort, plays a pivotal role in both supporting and restraining Caesar's ambitions, contrasting with Caesar's sister Laura, who emerges as a prominent social leader in Rome.
The narrative weaves in various other significant characters such as the Abbé Preciozi, who acts as Caesar's adviser, and several political figures like Senator Calixto and Father Martín Lafuerza, who embody the competing interests within the political sphere. Key relationships, including Caesar's romantic entanglements with Countess Brenda and his marriage to Amparo, illustrate personal stakes in the larger political drama. Additionally, supporting characters like Ignacio Alzugaray and Carlos Yarza highlight the social dynamics and influences that shape Caesar’s journey, further complicating the story's exploration of power, loyalty, and the consequences of ambition. This character-driven analysis provides insight into the moral complexities and interpersonal conflicts that define the narrative.
Caesar or Nothing: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Pío Baroja
First published: Cesar o nada, 1910 (English translation, 1919)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Spain, Italy, and France
Plot: Political
Time: Early twentieth century
Caesar Moncada (SEH-sahr mohn-KAH-dah), who has a highwayman and a cardinal among his ancestors. He turns his back on the Church to become a financial dictator. He adopts the Borgia motto: “Caesar or Nothing.” He turns out to be nothing.
Cardinal Fort, formerly Father Vicente de Valencia. He is Caesar's uncle.
Laura, Caesar's sister, who becomes the Marchesa of Vaccarone and a social leader of Rome.
The Abbé Preciozi (preh-see-OH-see), who is sent as Caesar's adviser by Cardinal Fort.
Father Miró (mee-ROH-) and Father Herreros (eh-RREHrohs), two priests who might have helped Caesar's scheming if Cardinal Fort had not stopped them.
Archibald Marchmont, who is in love with Laura.
Susanna Marchmont, his wife, who takes a trip with Caesar as Caesar's wife.
Kennedy, an Englishman who tells Caesar about Roman history and the Borgias.
Countess Brenda, an important member of Roman society with whom Caesar has an affair.
Senator Calixto, a political leader of Zamora who offers to put Caesar's name on the ballot whenever he returns to Spain. Don Calixto is Amparo's uncle.
Don Platón Peribáñez (plah-TOHN peh-ree-BAHN-yehs) and Antonio San Román (sahn rroh-MAHN), political figures in the district of Castro Duro.
Father Martín Lafuerza (mahr-TEEN lah-FWEHR-sah), another local vote-getter and an opponent of Caesar.
Ignacio Alzugaray (ahl-sew-GAHR-ay), Caesar's school friend.
Carlos Yarza (KAHR-lohs YAHR-sah), a Paris bank employee who interests Caesar in speculation.
García Padilla (gahr-SEE-ah pah-DEE-yah), a political opponent beaten by Caesar in the first campaign. By fraudulent practices, he defeats Caesar in the next election.
Driveller, a ruffian hired by Father Martin to browbeat Caesar's followers.
The Cub-Slut, a female member of the local underworld who warns Caesar of an attempt on his life.
Lengthy, the son of the Cub-Slut. He is killed by Driveller in a political row.
Gaffer, one of Caesar's followers, attacked by Driveller.
Amparo (ahm-PAH-roh), the niece of Don Calixto; she marries Caesar, after some uncertainty.