It Is Worse than It Was: Analysis of Major Characters
"It Is Worse than It Was: Analysis of Major Characters" examines the intricate relationships and conflicts among key figures in a narrative centered around love, identity, and societal expectations. Cesar Ursino is a central character, a fugitive preparing to marry Flerida Colona, while simultaneously being drawn to the mysterious Lisarda, who is veiled and embodies intrigue. Lisarda, the daughter of Juan de Aragon, faces challenges as her secret meetings with Cesar come to light, leading her to make difficult choices to protect her honor. Flerida ultimately emerges as Cesar's bride, complicating the love triangle fueled by mistaken identities and societal pressures. Don Juan, a friend of Cesar, becomes an alternative suitor for Lisarda when her relationship with Cesar falters. The narrative also features supporting characters such as Camacho and Celia, who represent the intertwining of servant and noble lives. Set against the backdrop of Gaeta, the story explores themes of loyalty, honor, and the consequences of desire within a richly woven plot. This analysis offers insights into the motivations and transformations of the characters as they navigate their intertwined fates.
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.