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Chronicle of a Death Foretold
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"Chronicle of a Death Foretold" Characters Analysis

The town's anticipation of a murder and its aftermath are vividly recounted in Gabriel García Márquez's "Chronicle of a Death Foretold."

Estimated read time: 4 min read

List of Characters

Character NameRole
Santiago NasarProtagonist
Angela VicarioAntagonist
Bayardo San RomanSupporting Character
Pedro and Pablo VicarioSupporting Characters
Clotilde ArmentaSupporting Character
Colonel Lazaro AponteSupporting Character
Placida LineroSupporting Character
Divina FlorSupporting Character
Victoria GuzmanSupporting Character

Role Identification

Santiago Nasar is the protagonist of the novel, around whom the events of the story revolve. Angela Vicario serves as the antagonist, while Bayardo San Roman and the Vicario twins, Pedro and Pablo, play supporting roles. Other characters such as Clotilde Armenta, Colonel Lazaro Aponte, Placida Linero, Divina Flor, and Victoria Guzman also contribute to the development of the plot.

Character Descriptions

Santiago Nasar

Santiago Nasar is a young, wealthy man from a prominent family in the town. He is described as charming, handsome, and well-liked by the community. Santiago's character is marked by his carefree nature and his love for life.

Angela Vicario

Angela Vicario is a young woman from a traditional family. She is portrayed as beautiful but reserved, and her character is shaped by the societal expectations placed upon her as a woman in the town.

Bayardo San Roman

Bayardo San Roman is a mysterious outsider who captures the attention of the townspeople when he arrives with the intention of marrying Angela Vicario. His character is enigmatic, and he becomes a central figure in the events that unfold.

Pedro and Pablo Vicario

The Vicario twins, Pedro and Pablo, are Angela's brothers. They are depicted as serious and determined individuals who are driven by a sense of duty to their family and their cultural values.

Other Supporting Characters

Clotilde Armenta, Colonel Lazaro Aponte, Placida Linero, Divina Flor, and Victoria Guzman are all supporting characters who contribute to the overall atmosphere and narrative of the story.

Character Traits

Santiago Nasar

  • Charming
  • Popular
  • Carefree
  • Wealthy
  • Well-liked

Angela Vicario

  • Beautiful
  • Reserved
  • Traditional
  • Dutiful

Bayardo San Roman

  • Mysterious
  • Enigmatic
  • Intriguing

Pedro and Pablo Vicario

  • Serious
  • Determined
  • Traditional

Character Background

Santiago Nasar comes from a wealthy and influential family in the town, which has afforded him a carefree and privileged upbringing. Angela Vicario hails from a traditional family with strict values and expectations. Bayardo San Roman's background is shrouded in mystery, adding to his allure as an outsider. The Vicario twins have been brought up with a strong sense of duty and honor, deeply rooted in their cultural background.

Character Arcs

Santiago Nasar

Santiago's character arc is tragically cut short when he becomes the victim of a brutal crime. His carefree nature and popularity stand in stark contrast to the abrupt and violent end he meets.

Angela Vicario

Angela's character undergoes a significant transformation as she navigates the aftermath of her actions and grapples with the consequences of her choices.

Bayardo San Roman

Bayardo's character arc is marked by his pursuit of Angela and the impact of his actions on the town. His mysterious persona unravels as the story progresses.

Pedro and Pablo Vicario

The Vicario twins' character arcs are defined by their unwavering commitment to their sense of duty and honor, leading them to carry out a fateful act that alters the course of the narrative.

Relationships

Santiago Nasar's relationships with the townspeople, including Bayardo San Roman, Angela Vicario, and the Vicario twins, are central to the development of the plot. Angela's relationship with Bayardo and her interactions with her family members, particularly her brothers, shape her character's trajectory. The intricate web of relationships among the supporting characters contributes to the rich tapestry of the narrative.

In "Chronicle of a Death Foretold," Gabriel García Márquez skillfully weaves together the complex dynamics of the characters, their backgrounds, and their interactions to create a compelling and tragic tale that unfolds against the backdrop of a small, close-knit community.