It Is Worse than It Was: Analysis of Major Characters

Author: Pedro Calderón de la Barca

First published: Partes, 1636–1684

Time: Seventeenth century

Cesar Ursino, a fugitive from justice. Preparing to marry Flerida Colona, he is also having assignations with a veiled lady who has fired his imagination. She is Lisarda. A series of adventures involving mistaken identities follows and ends in Cesar's marriage to Flerida.

Lisarda, the daughter of Juan de Aragon. Veiled, she has been meeting Cesar Ursino, fiance of Flerida Colona. Finally, following a succession of adventures during which a mistaken identity threatens her reputation, she is compelled, in order to save her honor, to give up Cesar to Flerida and to marry Don Juan.

Flerida Colona, loved by Cesar Ursino and finally his bride after a series of complications brought about by his attraction to the veiled Lisarda.

Don Juan, Cesar Ursino's friend and the suitor with whom Lisarda must be satisfied when Cesar is paired off with Flerida Colona.

Camacho, Cesar Ursino's servant, who marries Celia.

Celia, Lisarda's servant and Camacho's bride.

Juan de Aragon, Governor of Gaeta.