Fortune Mends: Analysis of Major Characters
"Fortune Mends: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and conflicts among a diverse cast in a tale of honor, romance, and intrigue. Central to the story is Carlos Colona, the son of Brandenburg's governor, whose infatuation with the veiled lady Flora leads to tragic consequences, including the fatal duel with her fiancé, Licio. This act of violence sets off a chain of events, forcing Carlos to seek refuge in the home of Don César, Flora's father, who grapples with his duty as a magistrate against the bonds of friendship. Flora, the daughter caught in the conflict, plays a pivotal role in hiding Carlos, highlighting themes of loyalty and love. Other characters, like Laura and Arnaldo, add depth to the narrative, weaving their own stories of affection and desire. Ultimately, the tale navigates the complexities of honor and sacrifice, culminating in Carlos and Flora's union. This character-driven analysis provides insight into the motivations and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a richly constructed world.
Fortune Mends: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Pedro Calderón de la Barca
First published: 1631
Genre: Play
Locale: Vienna
Plot: Comedy
Time: The seventeenth century
Carlos Colona (koh-LOH-nah), the son of the governor of Brandenburg. He is attracted to a veiled lady, Flora. His efforts to speak to her cause a quarrel with her fiancé, Licio, whom Don Carlos kills in the ensuing duel. He seeks asylum in the house of his father's friend, Don César, who is the father of the veiled Flora. After a series of adventures involving disguises, recognitions, escapes, pursuits, fights, and problems of honor, Don Carlos wins Flora's hand.
Don César (SEH-sahr), Flora's father and an old friend of Carlos Colona's father. When Don Carlos, after killing Licio in a duel, seeks asylum in his house, Don César faces the dilemma of having to choose between the obligations of friendship, which demand that he aid the young man, and the obligations of a magistrate, which require that he arrest and execute him.
Flora (FLOH-rah), Don César's daughter. Veiled, she attracts the attention of Carlos Colona, who kills her fiancé, Licio, in a duel. When Don Carlos arrives at her house as a fugitive seeking asylum, she hides him. After many complications, her identity becomes known, everyone's honor is satisfied, and she and Don Carlos are married.
Laura, Flora's friend, who is loved by Arnaldo.
Arnaldo, Laura's suitor.
Dinero (dee-NAY-roh), Carlos Colona's servant.
Fabio (FAH-bee-oh), Laura's brother.
Silvia, Flora's servant.