"The Conquest of New Spain" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Conquest of New Spain" by Bernal Díaz del Castillo, the characters play various roles that shape the course of the conquest of Mexico. The protagonist, Hernán Cortés, leads the Spanish conquistadors in their quest for wealth and power. Moctezuma II, the Aztec Emperor, represents the indigenous civilization that the Spanish encounter. Doña Marina, an indigenous interpreter, serves as a vital bridge between the conquistadors and the Aztecs. Other conquistadors, such as Pedro de Alvarado, Gonzalo de Sandoval, Juan Velázquez de León, and Cristóbal de Olid, contribute to the conquest with their military prowess. Bernardino de Sahagún, a Franciscan friar, documents the Aztec culture and history. Cacamatzin, a Tlaxcalan ally, aids the Spanish in their campaign against the Aztecs. Cuauhtémoc emerges as the last Aztec emperor and valiantly resists the Spanish invasion.

Character Descriptions

Hernán Cortés

Hernán Cortés, the protagonist and a skilled conquistador, is depicted as ambitious, cunning, and charismatic. He possesses excellent leadership skills and is determined to achieve fame and fortune. Cortés is described as a tall and well-built man with a commanding presence. He is known for his strategic thinking and ability to form alliances with indigenous groups to further his goals.

Moctezuma II

Moctezuma II, the Aztec Emperor, is portrayed as a complex figure. Initially, he is seen as a powerful ruler who is both revered and feared by his subjects. Moctezuma is characterized as cautious and hesitant, which leads to his downfall. He is described as wearing opulent attire and displaying symbols of his authority.

Doña Marina

Doña Marina, also known as Malinche, is a key character who serves as an interpreter and advisor to Cortés. She is portrayed as intelligent, resourceful, and fluent in multiple languages. Doña Marina is described as a young woman with indigenous heritage and remarkable beauty. Her role as a mediator between the Spanish and the Aztecs is crucial in facilitating communication and understanding.

Pedro de Alvarado

Pedro de Alvarado is a conquistador known for his bravery and military skills. He is depicted as a fierce warrior, always ready for battle. Alvarado is described as having a muscular physique and a fearless demeanor. His actions during the massacre at the Great Temple in Tenochtitlan showcase his brutality.

Gonzalo de Sandoval

Gonzalo de Sandoval is another prominent conquistador who plays a significant role in the conquest. He is portrayed as loyal, intelligent, and a skilled military strategist. Sandoval is described as having a reserved and thoughtful nature. His contributions to the conquest, especially in battles and negotiations, are highly valued by Cortés.

Juan Velázquez de León

Juan Velázquez de León is a conquistador who initially opposes Cortés but later joins his expedition. He is characterized as impulsive and hot-headed. Velázquez de León is described as having a sturdy build and a strong-willed personality. His change of allegiance adds an interesting dynamic to the story.

Cristóbal de Olid

Cristóbal de Olid is a conquistador who is sent by Cortés on a separate expedition. He is depicted as ambitious and power-hungry. Olid is described as having a calculating and opportunistic nature. His actions create conflicts and challenges for Cortés during the conquest.

Bernardino de Sahagún

Bernardino de Sahagún, a Franciscan friar, plays a significant role in documenting the Aztec culture. He is portrayed as a scholar and an observer. Sahagún is described as having a gentle and compassionate demeanor. His writings provide valuable insights into the Aztec society, religion, and customs.

Cacamatzin

Cacamatzin is a Tlaxcalan ally who supports the Spanish in their campaign against the Aztecs. He is characterized as brave, loyal, and skilled in warfare. Cacamatzin is described as having a strong physique and a determined spirit. His alliance with the Spanish proves crucial in their victory.

Cuauhtémoc

Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor, emerges as a symbol of resistance against the Spanish conquest. He is portrayed as courageous, honorable, and devoted to his people. Cuauhtémoc is described as a young warrior with a strong presence. His leadership during the final stages of the conquest showcases his resilience and determination.

Character Traits

• Hernán Cortés: Ambitious, cunning, charismatic, strategic
• Moctezuma II: Powerful, cautious, hesitant, revered
• Doña Marina: Intelligent, resourceful, fluent, beautiful
• Pedro de Alvarado: Brave, brutal, muscular, fearless
• Gonzalo de Sandoval: Loyal, intelligent, strategic, thoughtful
• Juan Velázquez de León: Impulsive, hot-headed, sturdy, strong-willed
• Cristóbal de Olid: Ambitious, power-hungry, calculating, opportunistic
• Bernardino de Sahagún: Scholarly, observer, gentle, compassionate
• Cacamatzin: Brave, loyal, skilled, determined
• Cuauhtémoc: Courageous, honorable, resilient, determined

Character Background

Hernán Cortés, born in Medellín, Spain, came from a middle-class family and received a formal education. He served in the Spanish military in the Caribbean before leading the expedition to Mexico. Moctezuma II ascended to the Aztec throne in 1502, inheriting an empire at its peak. Doña Marina was born into a noble Aztec family but was later enslaved and given to Cortés as a gift. Pedro de Alvarado hailed from Extremadura, Spain, and had previous experience in the conquest of Cuba. Gonzalo de Sandoval was born in Spain and joined Cortés' expedition as a trusted lieutenant. Juan Velázquez de León was a cousin of Cortés and initially opposed his leadership. Cristóbal de Olid was a trusted captain in Cortés' army before his ambitions led to rebellion. Bernardino de Sahagún, a Franciscan friar, arrived in Mexico to convert the indigenous population to Christianity. Cacamatzin was a Tlaxcalan noble who formed an alliance with the Spanish. Cuauhtémoc was a nephew of Moctezuma II and became the last ruler of the Aztec empire.

Character Arcs

Hernán Cortés' character arc reveals his transformation from a determined conquistador seeking riches to a conflicted leader grappling with the consequences of his actions. Initially motivated by personal ambition, Cortés develops a sense of responsibility towards the indigenous people and their culture, leading to his decision to preserve certain aspects of Aztec civilization.

Moctezuma II experiences a tragic character arc as he transitions from a powerful ruler to a captive puppet of the Spanish. He struggles with the conflicting demands of his people and the conquistadors, ultimately losing his authority and dignity.

Doña Marina undergoes a transformative arc as she transitions from a captive slave to a trusted advisor and interpreter for Cortés. Her loyalty and intelligence play a crucial role in bridging the communication gap between the Spanish and the Aztecs.

Pedro de Alvarado's character arc showcases his transformation from a fearless warrior to a ruthless conqueror. His actions during the massacre at the Great Temple demonstrate the dark side of his character.

Gonzalo de Sandoval's character arc highlights his growth from a loyal lieutenant to a competent military strategist. He becomes an essential figure in the conquest and gains Cortés' trust and respect.

Juan Velázquez de León's character arc illustrates his change of allegiance as he shifts from opposing Cortés to joining his expedition. This transformation adds complexity and tension to the story.

Cristóbal de Olid's character arc reveals his descent into ambition and betrayal as he rebels against Cortés. His actions contribute to the internal conflicts within the Spanish expedition.

Bernardino de Sahagún's character arc showcases his dedication to documenting the Aztec culture and his growing understanding and empathy towards the indigenous people.

Cacamatzin's character arc portrays his transformation from a Tlaxcalan noble wary of the Spanish to a loyal ally in the fight against the Aztecs. His alliance with Cortés is instrumental in the Spanish victory.

Cuauhtémoc's character arc depicts his evolution from a young warrior to the last Aztec emperor. Despite the inevitable defeat, he embodies the spirit of resistance and becomes a symbol of Aztec pride.

Relationships

Hernán Cortés and Moctezuma II have a complex and tense relationship. Initially, Moctezuma welcomes Cortés as a god-like figure, but their dynamic changes as the Spanish conquer and imprison him. The power dynamics between the two are constantly shifting throughout the book.

Doña Marina serves as a crucial link between Cortés and Moctezuma II. Her relationship with Cortés evolves from that of a captive slave to a trusted advisor and interpreter. She becomes an indispensable ally in Cortés' interactions with the Aztecs.

The relationship between Cortés and his fellow conquistadors, such as Pedro de Alvarado, Gonzalo de Sandoval, Juan Velázquez de León, and Cristóbal de Olid, is characterized by loyalty, rivalry, and occasional conflicts. These relationships shape the dynamics within the Spanish expedition and influence the outcome of the conquest.

Bernardino de Sahagún's relationship with the Aztecs is one of curiosity and respect. As a scholar and observer, he seeks to understand and document their culture and traditions. His interactions with the indigenous people provide valuable insights into their way of life.

Cacamatzin's alliance with Cortés establishes a relationship based on trust and mutual benefit. As a Tlaxcalan ally, he aids the Spanish in their campaign against the Aztecs, forming a strong bond with Cortés.

Cuauhtémoc's relationship with Cortés is defined by resistance and defiance. As the last Aztec emperor, he refuses to surrender and fights valiantly against the Spanish invasion. Despite their opposing roles, there is a mutual respect between the two leaders.

In conclusion, "The Conquest of New Spain" by Bernal Díaz del Castillo introduces a diverse cast of characters whose roles, relationships, and character arcs shape the narrative of the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Hernán Cortés, Moctezuma II, Doña Marina, and the other conquistadors play crucial roles in this historical event, leaving a lasting impact on the history and culture of both Spain and Mexico.