The Kingdom of God: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Kingdom of God: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the lives of central figures within a narrative that examines themes of devotion, suffering, and personal sacrifice. Sister Gracia, a devoted nun of the order of St. Vincent de Paul, is portrayed across three significant stages of her life, depicting her dedication to alleviating the struggles of others, from her early work with elderly men to her later role as Mother Superior of an orphanage. Key characters include Dr. Enrique, who represents both love and longing in Gracia's life, and a diverse cast of individuals she encounters, such as Gabriel, a former valet, and Liborio, a simple-minded Cuban, who add depth to her experiences. The dynamics among the residents of the homes reveal various societal challenges, from the struggles of unwed mothers, represented by characters like Margarita and Candelas, to the hardships faced by orphans. The narrative ultimately reflects on Sister Gracia's unwavering commitment to her faith and mission, even as she navigates personal trials and relationships. This exploration of character interactions within the framework of the Kingdom of God serves to highlight broader themes of compassion, resilience, and the complexity of human experiences in the face of adversity.
The Kingdom of God: Analysis of Major Characters
Authors: María Martínez Sierra and Gregorio Martínez Sierra
First published: 1922
Genre: Play
Locale: Spain
Plot: Social criticism
Time: Early twentieth century
Sister Gracia (GRAH-see-ah), a member of the benevolent order of St. Vincent de Paul. In the play, Sister Gracia is shown in three stages of her devotion to the alleviation of suffering to which she has pledged herself. At the age of nineteen, she is assigned to a home for poverty-stricken old men. At twenty-nine, she is assisting in a home for unwed mothers. The confusion and heartbreak there take her to the verge of collapse. Dr. Enrique, who loves her, asks her to marry him. She refuses, asks for a transfer, and is last seen at the age of seventy, when she is Mother Superior in charge of an orphanage.
Gabriel (gah-bree-EHL-), formerly the valet to Sister Gracia's grandfather.
Liborio (lee-BOHR-ee-oh), a half-wit Cuban.
Trajano (trah-HAH-noh), a superannuated anarchist. He, Gabriel, and Liborio are pensioners at the home for poverty-stricken old men, Sister Gracia's first assignment.
Sister Manuela (mahn-WEH-lah), Mother Superior of the old men's home.
Quica (KEE-kah), a perennial and casual offender.
Candelas (kahn-DEH-lahs), a fundamentally good and fiercely independent girl.
Margarita (mahr-gah-REE-tah), a bitter aristocrat. She, Quica, and Candelas are residents of the home for unwed mothers, Sister Gracia's second assignment.
Dr. Enrique (ehn-REE-kay), a physician at the home for unwed mothers. He loves Sister Gracia and tries to persuade her to marry him.
Sister Cristina (krees-TEE-nah), Mother Superior at the home for unwed mothers.
Sister Dionisia (dee-oh-NEE-see-ah), an assistant at the orphanage, Sister Gracia's last assignment.
Juan de Dios (hwahn deh dee-OHS), an aspiring bullfighter and former resident of the orphanage. He returns to honor Sister Gracia with a souvenir of his first triumph in the ring.
Felipe (feh-LEE-peh), a mutinous resident of the orphanage, to whom Sister Gracia gives counsel and assurance.
Don Lorenzo (loh-REHN-soh) and María Isabela (ee-sah-BEHL-ah), Sister Gracia's parents.