The Celestina by Fernando de Rojas, book cover

The Celestina Summary

by Fernando de Rojas

3.14 Goodreads · 622 ratingsFiction178 pages16-min summary

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Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

In 15th-century Spain, the young nobleman Calisto falls desperately in love with Melibea and, unable to win her affections on his own, enlists the services of Celestina, a notorious old procuress and witch. Celestina, with her cunning and knowledge of human nature, manipulates both families and orchestrates secret meetings between the lovers. Her machinations, however, are driven by greed, as she exploits the situation for her own financial gain, promising shares to her apprentices and the servants of Calisto. The illicit affair blossoms under Celestina's guidance, but the web of deceit, lust, and avarice she weaves ultimately leads to a tragic downfall for all involved, as the consequences of their actions unravel in a series of betrayals, murders, and suicides.
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Tragic, cynical, satirical, dramatic, passionate

The Celestina Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

  1. A Chance Encounter and a Fateful Obsession

    Young nobleman Calisto finds Melibea in her garden while hunting with his falcon. He immediately falls in love and tells her so. Melibea, shocked, rejects him and leaves. Distraught, Calisto returns home and tells his servant Sempronio. Sempronio, wanting personal gain, suggests Calisto get help from Celestina, a known procuress and witch. Calisto, desperate to win Melibea, agrees to Sempronio's idea. This starts a series of tragic events.

  2. Celestina's Intervention and Sempronio's Greed

    Sempronio visits Celestina, explains Calisto's problem, and offers a large reward. Celestina, always looking for opportunity, accepts, seeing a chance for money and power. She promises Sempronio a share of the profits. Meanwhile, Calisto's other servant, Pármeno, who knew Celestina as a child and distrusts her, warns Calisto about her manipulative nature. Calisto, blinded by his feelings, ignores Pármeno's warnings, allowing Celestina's plans to continue. Celestina then starts her detailed plan to bring Melibea to Calisto.

  3. The First Meeting: A Test of Wits

    Celestina, using her reputation, enters Melibea's home, pretending to sell thread and do laundry. She meets Melibea's mother, Alisa, then Melibea herself. Melibea is at first hostile, remembering Calisto's earlier boldness. But Celestina is a master of persuasion. She fakes illness and distress, slowly gaining Melibea's sympathy. She then subtly mentions Calisto's name, describing him as a noble, suffering young man. This sparks curiosity and compassion in Melibea, eroding her initial resistance.

  4. Melibea's Growing Affection

    Celestina continues her visits, using flattery, false piety, and subtle manipulation. She tells Melibea stories of Calisto's suffering and good character, slowly weakening Melibea's resolve. She presents herself as wise and kind. Melibea, despite her first doubts, finds herself increasingly drawn to Celestina's words. Celestina also uses a magical, enchanted thread, which she gives to Melibea, further linking her to Calisto. Melibea begins to feel pity and, eventually, a new affection for Calisto, surprising herself.

  5. The First Secret Meeting

    After much persuasion and emotional manipulation, Celestina convinces Melibea to meet Calisto in secret. This is a turning point, as Melibea fully gives in to the desires Celestina has created. The meeting is set for a secluded spot, showing the illicit nature of their growing relationship. Calisto, overjoyed, richly rewards Celestina, increasing her greed and the servants' envy. The stage is set for their love to be realized, but also for the tragic breakdown that follows from the web of deceit and self-interest.

  6. The Consummation and the Servants' Betrayal

    Calisto and Melibea meet in secret and become lovers. Their affair grows, but tensions among the servants increase. Sempronio and Pármeno, feeling cheated out of their promised share of Celestina's earnings from Calisto, confront her. They demand their portion of the gold chain and other rewards Celestina received. Celestina, arrogant and unwilling to share, scoffs at their demands. An argument follows, ending with Sempronio and Pármeno brutally murdering Celestina in a fit of rage and greed, believing she betrayed them. This is the first major act of violence.

  7. Justice and Further Loss

    After Celestina's murder, Sempronio and Pármeno try to run away. Their escape is short-lived. Authorities catch them, and despite their pleas, they are sentenced to death. They are publicly executed, falling from a tower. This swift act of justice highlights the harsh realities of their world. This event leaves Calisto without his main servants and deepens the sense of dread in the story. The deaths of Celestina, Sempronio, and Pármeno show how seeking illicit gain and corrupt morals lead to downfall.

  8. New Servants and Continuing Deceit

    With Sempronio and Pármeno gone, Calisto hires two new servants, Sosia and Tristán, to help with his secret meetings with Melibea. Meanwhile, the prostitutes Elicia and Areúsa, who knew Celestina and mourned her, are manipulated by Centurio, a ruffian, into seeking revenge on Calisto for his part in Celestina's death. Elicia was Sempronio's lover, and Areúsa was Pármeno's. They feel a strong sense of injustice. They plan to disrupt Calisto and Melibea's affair, adding another layer of danger to the already risky situation. Their involvement hints at further trouble and violence.

  9. The Lovers' Continued Meetings

    Despite the deaths of Celestina and his former servants, Calisto remains consumed by his love for Melibea. He continues to arrange secret night meetings with her, helped by his new servants. Melibea, equally in love, eagerly awaits their clandestine encounters. Their passion deepens, and they spend their nights unaware of the threats around them. However, the secrecy and illicit nature of their relationship continue, creating constant tension. The lovers' world becomes isolated, their happiness depending on the fragile cover of night and the discretion of a few new, potentially unreliable, people.

  10. Calisto's Tragic End

    One night, after being with Melibea in her garden, Calisto hears a disturbance outside. Believing it to be a challenge, he tries to climb down a ladder to investigate, wanting to protect Melibea. However, in his hurry and the darkness, he missteps and falls from the ladder. He lands badly and dies instantly. His death is sudden and accidental, a stark contrast to the romance of his affair. This unexpected end leaves Melibea devastated and is a shocking turn in the story.

  11. Melibea's Despair and Confession

    Finding Calisto's lifeless body, Melibea falls into deep despair. Overwhelmed by grief and guilt, she goes to the highest tower of her house. Her father, Pleberio, seeing her distress, tries to comfort her, but Melibea is inconsolable. In a confession, she tells her father the entire story of her secret love affair with Calisto, Celestina's role, and her deep sorrow over Calisto's death. This confession is a moment of vulnerability, showing the results of her forbidden passion and the tragic loss she has endured.

  12. Melibea's Suicide

    Consumed by grief and the unbearable pain of losing Calisto, Melibea sees no future. She climbs to the top of her family's tower. Despite her father's desperate pleas, she gives a moving speech, expressing her love for Calisto and her inability to live without him. With a final declaration of despair, she throws herself from the tower, choosing death to be with her lover in spirit. Her suicide is the ultimate tragic result of the illicit affair, leaving her father, Pleberio, devastated and alone.

  13. Pleberio's Lament

    The final scene of 'The Celestina' shows Pleberio's lament over the bodies of his daughter, Melibea, and her lover, Calisto. He gives a powerful monologue, expressing his grief, his shock at the sudden loss of his only child, and his despair over human happiness. He questions fortune, fate's cruelty, and the futility of worldly possessions in the face of such loss. His lament is a moral reflection on the tragic story, highlighting the destructive power of illicit love, greed, and fate.

The Celestina Characters

Celestina

Supporting

The cunning, avaricious procuress and witch.

Celestina is an elderly woman, a former prostitute turned procuress, witch, and dealer in various illicit goods and services. She is incredibly cunning, manipulative, and avaricious, driven primarily by self-interest and a desire for wealth. She possesses vast knowledge of human nature, particularly its weaknesses and desires, which she expertly exploits. Despite her moral depravity, she is charismatic and persuasive, able to charm and deceive those around her, including the initially resistant Melibea. She is a master of language, using flattery, feigned piety, and subtle threats to achieve her goals. Her character embodies the corrupting influence of greed and the perils of moral decay.

Relationships: Calisto (client and benefactor); Melibea (target of manipulation); Sempronio (accomplice and victim of her greed); Pármeno (former acquaintance, later accomplice and victim); Elicia (protégée and former prostitute); Areúsa (protégée and former prostitute)

Calisto

Protagonist

The passionate, impulsive young nobleman consumed by love.

Calisto is a wealthy young nobleman, characterized by his extreme impulsiveness and passionate, almost obsessive, nature. He falls instantly and completely in love with Melibea after a single encounter, a love that quickly devolves into a desperate infatuation. He is self-absorbed and often oblivious to the moral implications of his actions, willing to go to any lengths, including employing a notorious procuress, to achieve his desires. He is generous to a fault when pursuing his aims but lacks foresight and judgment, making him a pawn in the schemes of others. His character represents the dangers of unchecked passion and the blindness it can induce.

Relationships: Melibea (lover); Sempronio (servant and confidant); Pármeno (servant and initial confidant); Celestina (agent and facilitator)

Melibea

Protagonist

The virtuous young woman corrupted by love and manipulation.

Melibea is a beautiful and initially virtuous young woman from a noble family. She is portrayed as intelligent and strong-willed, initially rejecting Calisto's advances with indignation. However, she is ultimately susceptible to Celestina's cunning manipulation and the allure of forbidden passion. Once her heart is opened to love, she embraces it with an intensity equal to Calisto's, becoming deeply devoted and willing to defy societal norms for their relationship. Her character arc highlights the vulnerability of even the most virtuous individuals to temptation and the destructive power of illicit desire once unleashed. She embodies both innocence lost and tragic devotion.

Relationships: Calisto (lover); Celestina (manipulator and confidante); Pleberio (father); Alisa (mother)

Sempronio

Antagonist

Calisto's greedy and treacherous servant.

Sempronio is Calisto's primary servant, characterized by his cynicism, greed, and lack of loyalty. He is quick to exploit Calisto's infatuation for personal gain, immediately suggesting Celestina's services and plotting to share in her profits. He is cunning but ultimately short-sighted, driven by immediate gratification rather than long-term consequences. His relationship with Celestina is one of mutual exploitation, and his impatience and avarice lead directly to Celestina's murder. Sempronio represents the destructive force of covetousness and the corruption of the servant class.

Relationships: Calisto (master); Celestina (accomplice and rival); Pármeno (fellow servant and co-conspirator); Elicia (lover)

Pármeno

Supporting

Calisto's conflicted servant, initially loyal but corrupted.

Pármeno is Calisto's other servant, initially presented as more loyal and morally upright than Sempronio. He has a personal history with Celestina, knowing her true, wicked nature, and tries to warn Calisto against her. However, he is ultimately swayed by Sempronio's influence, Celestina's promises (particularly of Areúsa's affections), and the allure of wealth. His corruption is a gradual process, highlighting the pervasive nature of temptation. He represents the vulnerability of good intentions to bad company and the seductive power of illicit pleasures. His fall from loyalty mirrors the overall moral decay within the narrative.

Relationships: Calisto (master); Celestina (former acquaintance, later accomplice and rival); Sempronio (fellow servant and corrupting influence); Areúsa (lover)

Pleberio

Supporting

Melibea's wealthy and protective father.

Pleberio is Melibea's devoted and wealthy father. He is a respected figure in society, concerned with his daughter's honor and future. Throughout the narrative, he is largely unaware of his daughter's secret affair, representing the blindness of parents to their children's hidden lives. His character is most prominent in the concluding acts, where he experiences profound grief and despair over the tragic loss of his only child. His final lament serves as a powerful moral commentary on the transience of life, the futility of worldly possessions, and the devastating impact of fate and human folly.

Relationships: Melibea (daughter); Alisa (wife)

Alisa

Supporting

Melibea's mother, often distracted and less perceptive.

Alisa is Melibea's mother. She is depicted as somewhat less perceptive and more easily distracted than her husband, Pleberio. She is present during Celestina's initial infiltration of the household but fails to recognize the procuress's true intentions, leaving Melibea vulnerable to manipulation. Her character serves to highlight the lack of parental vigilance that allows the illicit affair to flourish. She is a figure of traditional domesticity, but ultimately proves ineffective in protecting her daughter from the external forces of corruption and the internal desires of the heart. Her role is largely passive, contributing to the circumstances that allow the tragedy to unfold.

Relationships: Melibea (daughter); Pleberio (husband); Celestina (deceived acquaintance)

Elicia

Supporting

Celestina's protégée and Sempronio's lover.

Elicia is one of Celestina's protégées and a prostitute who lives with her. She is Sempronio's lover and, like him, is driven by self-interest and a desire for social advancement. After Celestina's death, she becomes vengeful and plots against Calisto, believing him responsible for the demise of her mentor and lover. Her character represents the lower echelons of society and the moral corruption that pervades it. She is a testament to the ripple effect of the initial acts of greed and betrayal, as her desire for revenge contributes to the escalating violence and tragic outcome.

Relationships: Celestina (mentor and guardian); Sempronio (lover); Areúsa (friend and fellow prostitute); Centurio (accomplice in revenge plot)

Areúsa

Supporting

A prostitute, Pármeno's lover, and Elicia's friend.

Areúsa is another prostitute, Elicia's friend, and becomes Pármeno's lover through Celestina's arrangement. She is initially portrayed as somewhat more independent and outspoken than Elicia, but is also susceptible to manipulation and driven by self-interest. Like Elicia, she seeks revenge on Calisto after the deaths of Celestina and Pármeno, further contributing to the escalating conflict. Her character underscores the pervasive moral decay and the interconnectedness of the various characters through their desires and grievances. She embodies the harsh realities and opportunistic nature of the lower social strata.

Relationships: Celestina (facilitator); Pármeno (lover); Elicia (friend and fellow prostitute); Centurio (accomplice in revenge plot)

Centurio

Supporting

The boastful, cowardly ruffian hired for revenge.

Centurio is a mercenary or ruffian, introduced later in the play. He is boastful and quick to talk of violence and revenge, but ultimately proves to be a coward, more interested in appearing formidable than actually engaging in conflict. Elicia and Areúsa enlist him to seek revenge on Calisto. His character serves as a satirical commentary on false bravado and the superficiality of honor among the criminal underworld. Though he does not directly cause Calisto's death, his involvement creates the climate of fear and disturbance that indirectly leads to Calisto's fatal accident, making him a catalyst for the final tragedy.

Relationships: Elicia (client); Areúsa (client)

The Celestina Themes

The Destructive Power of Illicit Love and Passion

The central theme is the tragic outcome of Calisto and Melibea's forbidden love. Their intense passion makes them ignore social rules, moral limits, and warnings. This unchecked desire blinds them to danger and ultimately destroys them, leading to deceit, murder, and their own deaths. The story suggests that love, when pursued outside of convention and fueled by selfish desire, can be destructive, bringing ruin to the lovers and those around them. Their relationship warns against passion without reason or morality.

“Oh, my Calisto, my lord, my dear, my hope! How did I live without you? How will I live without you now?”
Melibea

The Corrupting Influence of Greed and Self-Interest

Greed drives many characters, especially Celestina, Sempronio, and Pármeno. Celestina's greed leads her to manipulate and deceive, arranging the affair for money. Sempronio and Pármeno, wanting a share of her profits, commit murder. The pursuit of wealth and personal gain overrides loyalty, morality, and even self-preservation, creating a cycle of betrayal and violence. The play shows how unchecked covetousness leads to moral decay, conflict, and death, affecting everyone from the procuress to the servants.

“Gold makes the ugly beautiful, the old young, and the cowardly brave.”
Celestina

The Illusion of Free Will vs. Fate

The story explores the tension between characters making choices and the feeling of an inescapable, tragic destiny. While characters like Celestina and Sempronio actively plot, their actions seem to contribute to a larger, predetermined outcome of suffering and death. Pleberio's final lament particularly highlights this, as he questions fortune and the futility of human effort against an indifferent fate. The play suggests that while individuals have agency, their choices are often guided by powerful forces—passion, greed, or an overarching destiny—that lead to inevitable downfall.

“Oh, world, world! You give us life with such a short thread, and then you break it so quickly!”
Pleberio

Social Critique and Moral Decay

The Celestina critiques 15th-century Spanish society, showing moral decay and hypocrisy across social classes. It portrays a world where honor is superficial, love is a transaction, and loyalty is easily bought or betrayed. The nobility (Calisto and Melibea) are shown to be vulnerable to base desires, while the lower classes (Celestina, servants, prostitutes) are driven by opportunism, greed, and revenge. The play reveals a society where virtue is fragile, corruption is widespread, and the pursuit of pleasure and profit often leads to catastrophic results, undermining order and morality.

“There is no evil that does not come from the world, nor good that does not go to it.”
Celestina

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

The Procuress (Celestina)

The central figure who facilitates the illicit affair.

Celestina serves as the primary plot device, acting as the catalyst and orchestrator of the entire tragic narrative. Her character is not merely a go-between but a master manipulator, using her extensive knowledge of human psychology, her network of contacts, and her reputation as a witch to weave a complex web of deceit. She subtly persuades Melibea, manages the desires of Calisto, and exploits the greed of the servants. Her presence allows the forbidden love to flourish and ultimately leads to the escalating conflicts and deaths, making her the engine of the plot's progression and its tragic outcome.

Soliloquy and Monologue

Extended speeches revealing characters' inner thoughts and motivations.

The play extensively uses soliloquies and monologues, particularly for Celestina, Calisto, Melibea, and Pleberio. These extended speeches allow the audience direct access to the characters' inner thoughts, desires, fears, and moral struggles, often contrasting with their outward actions or dialogue with others. They are crucial for character development, revealing the true motivations behind their actions and the depth of their emotions. Pleberio's final lament is a prime example, providing a profound philosophical reflection on the tragedy. This device adds psychological depth and allows for moral commentary.

Dramatic Irony

The audience's awareness of facts unknown to the characters.

Dramatic irony is prevalent throughout the play, heightening the tension and tragic atmosphere. The audience is often aware of Celestina's true manipulative intentions, the servants' greed, and the impending dangers, while Calisto and Melibea remain blissfully ignorant or choose to disregard warnings. For instance, the audience knows of the servants' plot against Celestina, and later, of the threats against Calisto, long before the characters themselves fully comprehend the peril. This device underscores the characters' blindness to their own fates and amplifies the sense of inevitability surrounding the unfolding tragedy.

Foreshadowing

Hints and warnings that predict future tragic events.

Foreshadowing is skillfully employed to build suspense and convey a sense of impending doom. Pármeno's early warnings about Celestina's wicked nature and the dangers of her involvement are ignored but prove prophetic. Celestina herself often speaks in terms that hint at the perilous path the lovers are embarking on. The constant emphasis on secrecy and the illicit nature of the affair also subtly suggests a tragic outcome. These hints create a sense of inevitability, making the eventual deaths of the characters feel predestined rather than entirely accidental, reinforcing the play's tragic tone.

Quiz

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

  1. Question 1

    What is the primary focus of the novel "The Celestina"?

    1. The life of Fernando de Rojas
    2. The character of Celestina
    3. The political climate of fifteenth-century Spain
    4. The adventures of Don Quixote
    Show answer

    B. The character of Celestina The text explicitly states, 'The novel's focus is the character of Celestina, who dominates the scene.'

  2. Question 2

    In what century was "The Celestina" written?

    1. Twelfth century
    2. Fourteenth century
    3. Fifteenth century
    4. Sixteenth century
    Show answer

    C. Fifteenth century The provided text states, 'Written in fifteenth-century Spain'.

  3. Question 3

    Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a remarkable quality of "The Celestina"?

    1. Originality
    2. Depth
    3. Plot complexity
    4. Handling of dialogue
    Show answer

    C. Plot complexity The text lists originality, depth, handling of dialogue, and drawing of character as remarkable qualities, but does not mention plot complexity.

  4. Question 4

    What is Celestina described as?

    1. A noblewoman seeking a husband
    2. An old bawd with salty wisdom
    3. A religious scholar
    4. A military strategist
    Show answer

    B. An old bawd with salty wisdom Celestina is described as 'An old bawd brimming with salty wisdom derived from a vigorous and sinful life.'

  5. Question 5

    Who is Fernando de Rojas in relation to "The Celestina"?

    1. The original anonymous author
    2. The character who dominates the scene
    3. The author whose name appears on later editions
    4. A contemporary of Cervantes who praised the novel
    Show answer

    C. The author whose name appears on later editions The text states that the work 'was originally published anonymously, in 1499; later editions bear the name of Fernando de Rojas as author.'

  6. Question 6

    The text compares Celestina to two other famous literary characters. Who are they?

    1. Hamlet and Ophelia
    2. Romeo and Juliet
    3. Don Quixote and Sancho Panza
    4. Odysseus and Penelope
    Show answer

    C. Don Quixote and Sancho Panza The text mentions Celestina holds a place beside 'her two compatriots, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.'

  7. Question 7

    What year was "The Celestina" originally published?

    1. 1450
    2. 1499
    3. 1505
    4. 1510
    Show answer

    B. 1499 The text states the book was 'originally published anonymously, in 1499'.

  8. Question 8

    The novel is described as a masterpiece for several reasons. Which of these is explicitly stated as a reason?

    1. Its detailed historical accuracy
    2. Its innovative use of allegory
    3. Its profound philosophical themes
    4. Its drawing of character
    Show answer

    D. Its drawing of character The text lists 'originality, depth, handling of dialogue, and drawing of character' as remarkable qualities.

  9. Question 9

    What does the text imply about the relationship between "The Celestina" and the works of Cervantes?

    1. "The Celestina" was a direct sequel to Cervantes' works.
    2. Cervantes was heavily influenced by "The Celestina".
    3. Cervantes and Rojas collaborated on "The Celestina".
    4. There is no significant relationship between the two.
    Show answer

    B. Cervantes was heavily influenced by "The Celestina". The text calls "The Celestina" 'the greatest of the forebears of Cervantes', implying influence.

  10. Question 10

    The description of Celestina's wisdom suggests it originates from what?

    1. Formal academic study
    2. A sheltered and pious upbringing
    3. Extensive travel and exploration
    4. A life marked by experience and perhaps immorality
    Show answer

    D. A life marked by experience and perhaps immorality Celestina's wisdom is described as 'derived from a vigorous and sinful life,' indicating it comes from lived, possibly immoral, experiences.

The Celestina FAQ

What is The Celestina about?

The Celestina is a tragic Spanish novel centered around the character of Celestina, an old and cunning procuress. The story explores themes of love, lust, greed, and the consequences of human desires, as Celestina manipulates various characters for her own gain.

Who wrote The Celestina?

The authorship of The Celestina is attributed to Fernando de Rojas. However, the work was originally published anonymously in 1499, and Rojas later claimed authorship.

Why is The Celestina considered important?

The Celestina is considered a groundbreaking work, often cited as the first European novel. Its originality, sophisticated dialogue, deep characterization, and realistic portrayal of society were highly influential on later literature, particularly on Cervantes.

What kind of character is Celestina?

Celestina is a complex and unforgettable character. She is an old bawd, characterized by her shrewdness, worldly wisdom gained from a life of vice, and manipulative nature. She is a master of persuasion and plays a central role in driving the tragic events of the novel.

What are the main themes in The Celestina?

The novel explores several potent themes, including the destructive power of lust and greed, the deceptive nature of appearances, the corrupting influence of money, and the inevitability of fate. It offers a cynical and realistic view of human nature and society.

Is The Celestina a typical novel from its time?

No, The Celestina is highly original for its time. Unlike many works of the fifteenth century, it is written almost entirely in dialogue, giving it a dramatic and realistic feel. Its unflinching portrayal of social ills and complex characters set it apart from more idealized narratives.

What is the historical context of The Celestina?

The Celestina was written in late fifteenth-century Spain, a period of significant social and political change. The novel reflects the anxieties and moral complexities of the era, offering a stark look at urban life, class distinctions, and the darker aspects of human behavior.

How does The Celestina compare to Don Quixote?

While both are seminal Spanish works, The Celestina predates Don Quixote and is considered a significant influence. Celestina herself is often compared to Cervantes' characters Don Quixote and Sancho Panza for her lasting impact on literature. The Celestina is more tragic and focused on a single, morally ambiguous character, while Don Quixote is a picaresque adventure with satirical elements.

Is The Celestina a difficult read?

The language and style, being from the late 15th century, can be challenging for modern readers. However, its compelling plot, vivid characters, and profound exploration of human nature make it a rewarding experience for those who persevere. Reading with annotations or in a good translation is often recommended.

Where can I find a good translation of The Celestina?

Many reputable translations are available. Scholarly editions often provide valuable introductions and notes that enhance understanding. Checking academic publishers or university presses is a good starting point for finding a reliable and well-regarded translation.

About the author

Fernando de Rojas

Fernando de Rojas

Fernando de Rojas was a Spanish author and dramatist, known for his only surviving work, La Celestina, first published in 1499. It is variously considered "the last work of the Spanish Middle Ages or the first work of the Spanish Renaissance".

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