Stone Desert: Analysis of Major Characters
"Stone Desert: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate relationships and dynamics among a diverse cast of characters centered around the ranch of Don Pedro Pablo Ontiveros, affectionately known as Pepablo. The story features Pepablo, an elderly and amiable figure, whose death is triggered by the destructive actions of woodmen. His son, Midas, struggles with personal failures, while Midas's daughter, Marcela, grapples with pride and the challenges of reviving their family's ranch amidst changing practices. The narrative also includes Marcela's brothers, Aquiles and Héctor, and their mother-in-law, Doña Claudia. Key figures in the surrounding community include Isidro Puentes, the neighboring ranch owner, and his son Alfonso, with whom Marcela eventually finds common ground. Other notable characters include Roque Carpio, a troubled soul whose dark past culminates in violence, and Froilán Palacios, the ranch overseer, whose family adds depth to the story. The interplay between these characters reflects themes of tradition, pride, and the evolving landscape of ranch life, inviting readers to explore the complexities of their interactions.
Stone Desert: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Hugo Wast
First published: Desierto de piedra, 1925 (English translation, 1928)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Northern Argentina
Plot: Regional
Time: Early twentieth century
Don Pedro Pablo Ontiveros (PEH-droh PAHB-loh ohntee-VEH-rohs), called Pepablo (peh-PAHB-loh), an aged, easygoing Argentine ranch owner. He dies when woodmen start cutting his trees.
Midas Ontiveros (MEE-dahs), Pepablo's heir and a failure at everything.
Marcela (mahr-SEH-lah), Midas' daughter, who wants to restore the rundown ranch but is too proud to follow the practices of the gringos. Finally, she recognizes their good qualities and marries Alfonso.
Aquiles (ah-KEE-lehs) and Héctor (EHK-tohr), Marcela's brothers.
Doña Claudia (KLOW-dee-ah), Midas' mother-in-law.
Isidro Puentes (ee-SEE-droh PWEHN-tehs), the gringo owner of the adjoining ranch, which once was the property of Carpio.
Alfonso (ahl-FOHN-soh), Isidro's son.
Roque Carpio (RROH-keh KAHR-pee-oh), a former convict who kills his unfaithful wife. While trying to kidnap Marcela, he is stabbed to death with her scissors.
Froilán Palacios (froy-LAHN pah-LAH-see-ohs), the overseer of Pepablo's ranch.
Doña Silvestre (seel-VEHS-treh), his wife.
Difunto (dee-FEWN-toh), another overseer.
Leopolda (leh-oh-POHL-dah), his mannish wife.
Melitón Bazán (meh-lee-TOHN bah-SAHN), a famous hunter.
Don Tertulio (tehr-TEW-lee-oh), who searches Pepablo's ranch house for treasure.
Mónica (MOHN-ee-kah), the daughter of Froilán. She is Carpio's only mourner.