El Filibusterismo Characters (Key Characters)

1. Simoun
Simoun, the alter ego of Crisostomo Ibarra from Noli Me Tangere, is a wealthy jeweler
who disguises himself after being presumed dead. With his tanned skin, sparse beard,
long white hair, and blue-tinted glasses, he’s a mysterious and sometimes
confrontational figure. Although he appears arrogant, he secretly plans a violent
revolution to avenge his past and accelerate Elias’ reformist goals.
Simoun symbolizes revolutionaries who advocated for a bloody revolt against the
Spanish government, but his death in El Filibusterismo shows Rizal’s disapproval of
armed rebellion.
2. Basilio
Basilio, the son of Sisa from Noli Me Tangere, is a hardworking student on the verge of
earning his medical degree. As Captain Tiago’s protege, he dreams of a better future
through education. Despite his success, he remains indifferent to society’s needs.
Basilio represents the youth striving for personal advancement but lacking social
awareness.
3. Isagani
Isagani, Basilio’s friend and aspiring poet, is the passionate and idealistic nephew of
Father Florentino. He values his principles above all else, even when it costs him his
relationship with his girlfriend, Paulita Gomez.
Isagani embodies the youth with great love for their country, willing to stand up for their
beliefs.
4. Father Florentino
Father Florentino, Isagani’s uncle and a retired priest, is a respected figure despite his
past romantic entanglements.
Having chosen priesthood over love, he represents the secular Filipino priests of Rizal’s
time. His character also emphasizes Rizal’s opposition to a bloody revolt.
5. Ben-Zayb
A patriotic and jingoistic journalist, Ben-Zayb writes for the Manila Spanish newspaper
El Grito de la Integridad under the pen name Ybañez. He is unscrupulous in his
storytelling, often distorting facts to make stories more appealing.
Ben-Zayb represents the corrupted media of his time.
6. Placido Penitente
A University of Santo Tomas student, Placido Penitente reluctantly continues his studies
at his mother’s request. After clashing with his physics professor and meeting Simoun,
he becomes a devoted follower of Simoun’s revolutionary cause.
His name, which translates to “silent suffering,” reflects his temperament and struggle.
7. Father Irene
As Capitan Tiago’s spiritual adviser, Father Irene is criticized for his alliance with
temporal authority for power and monetary gain. Despite receiving gifts from the student
association, he betrays them by advising against their vision of a secular, privately
managed school. He secretly supplies Capitan Tiago with opium, and upon Basilio’s
imprisonment, ensures Basilio inherits nothing from Tiago’s estate.
Father Irene represents the few Spaniards who show sympathy towards Filipinos.
8. Capitan Tiago
Don Santiago de los Santos, Maria Clara’s father, is a wealthy landowner with
properties in Pampanga, Binondo, and Laguna. Despite his wealth, he falls into
depression after Maria enters the convent, leading him to develop an opium addiction,
fueled by his association with Padre Irene.
Capitan Tiago hires Basilio as a servant-student, who eventually becomes his caregiver
and estate manager. He dies from shock after hearing of Basilio’s arrest and tales of
violent revolt.
9. Captain-General
The highest-ranking official in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period, the
Captain-General is Simoun’s friend and confidant. He is driven by an insatiable lust for
gold, which Simoun exploits to manipulate him and drive the country towards revolution.
After a public rebuke, he is shamed into not extending his tenure in the Philippines.
10. Father Camorra
Father Camorra is the parish priest of Tiani and often mocks Ben-Zayb’s liberal views,
despite their contrasting appearances. Known for his insatiable lust, Father Camorra’s
actions ultimately lead Juli to take her own life after he tries to assault her within the
convent. Due to his misconduct, he is placed under “house arrest” in his order’s lavish
riverside villa just outside of Manila.
11. Father Bernardo Salvi
The former parish priest of San Diego, Father Salvi is now the director and chaplain of
the Santa Clara convent. Implied to have assaulted Maria Clara, he remains fearful of
Ibarra’s potential revenge.
12. Father Hernando de la Sibyla
Introduced in Noli Me Tangere as the curate of Binondo, Father Sibyla now serves as
the director and chaplain of the University of Santo Tomas. He is a liberal friar who
values reason.
13. Father Millon
A Dominican priest who serves as a physics professor at the University of Santo
Tomas.
14. Paulita Gomez
Isagani’s girlfriend and Doña Victorina’s niece, Paulita eventually breaks up with Isagani
to marry Juanito Pelaez, believing she has no future with Isagani.
15. Don Custodio
Custodio de Salazar y Sanchez de Monteredondo is a contractor tasked with
developing a proposal for a Spanish language academy. An opportunist and social
climber, he is portrayed as incompetent and laughably ineffective.
16. Quiroga
A Chinese businessman aspiring to become a consul for China in the Philippines.
Simoun coerces him into hiding weapons in his warehouses for the planned revolution.

El Filibusterismo Characters (Minor Characters)

Meet the supporting cast of Noli Me Tangere; although they may not hold the spotlight
like the main characters, they still greatly influence the story’s overall progression.
1. Kabesang Tales
Telesforo Juan de Dios, also known as Kabesang Tales, is a former cabeza de
barangay of Barrio Sagpang in Tiani who becomes the bandit leader Matanglawin. After
losing his land to the Dominicans and facing countless hardships, he joins the bandits to
fight back.
Kabesang Tales symbolizes Filipinos who were driven to rebellion by injustice and land
seizure.
2. Juli
Juliana de Dios, Basilio’s girlfriend and Kabesang Tales’ youngest daughter, is a symbol
of purity and innocence among lower-class women during Rizal’s time.
When her father is captured by bandits, she petitions Hermana Penchang to pay his
ransom, agreeing to work as her maid in return. Basilio rescues Juli and provides a
home for her family. When Juli seeks help from Padre Camorra during Basilio’s
imprisonment, she chooses death over dishonor by jumping from the church tower to
avoid being assaulted.
3. Tandang Selo
Father of Kabesang Tales and grandfather of Tano and Juli, Tandang Selo is a deer
hunter and broom-maker. After Juli’s suicide, he leaves town and later dies at the hands
of his grandson Tano during a skirmish with bandits.
4. Tano
Son of Kabesang Tales, Tano is nicknamed “Carolino” after completing Guardia Civil
training in the Carolines. He unknowingly kills his grandfather Tandang Selo in a battle
against bandits.
5. Hermana Penchang
A wealthy woman who lends Juli money to ransom her father from bandits. In return,
Juli serves as her maid until the debt is repaid. Although pious, her virtues are
influenced by the teachings of the friars.
6. Hermana Bali
A mother-figure and advisor to Juli, Hermana Bali assists her in securing ransom for
Kabesang Tales and later helps her in efforts to free Basilio.

7. Macaraig
A wealthy leader of the student association, Macaraig owns several houses, one of
which he lends for use as a Spanish language academy. After the association is
outlawed, he posts bail and leaves the country.
8. Sandoval
A Peninsular government employee who identifies with the Filipino students’ cause. He
uses his oratorical skills to pass his courses even after the student association is
outlawed.
9. Pecson
A pessimistic, chubby student, Pecson often opposes Sandoval’s optimistic speeches.
He suggests a torch-lit dinner at a restaurant after receiving disappointing news about
the Spanish language academy project.
10. Tadeo
A truant and charlatan, Tadeo dreams of an eternal “holiday” from school. Despite his
antics, he is beloved by professors and passes courses. After the student association is
outlawed, he welcomes imprisonment and celebrates his release by burning his books.
11. Juanito Pelaez
The son of a metalworks trader, Juanito is a prankster and a favorite among professors.
He competes with Isagani for Paulita Gomez’s affection and eventually marries her after
Isagani’s arrest. Though initially involved in the student association, Juanito easily
breaks away when it is outlawed.
12. Señor Pasta
An elderly Filipino lawyer, Señor Pasta refuses to support Filipino students in their push
for educational reforms.
He represents the portion of society that caters only to the wealthy and influential.
13. Don Timoteo Pelaez
Father of Juanito Pelaez and a business associate of Simoun.
14. Donya Victorina
Aunt of Paulita Gomez and wife of Don Tiburcio.
15. Don Tiburcio
Hides from his wife, Donya Victorina, and seeks refuge with Padre Florentino.
16. Captain Basilio
A wealthy captain in San Diego, married to Kapitana Tika, and father of Sinang.
17. Kabesang Andang
Mother of Placido Penitente and a resident of Batangas.
18. Kapitana Tika
Wife of Captain Basilio and mother of Sinang.
19. Mr. Leeds
An American who hosts a fair.
20. Imuthis
A talking head in the fair.
21. Pepay
A dancer who is asked by students for help in speaking with Don Custodio about the
Spanish language academy.
22. Sinong
A coachman who gets beaten up multiple times for forgetting his residence certificate
and having his lights go out during a procession.
23. Mautang
A Filipino civil guard who mistreats fellow Filipino prisoners.
24. Tiyo Kiko
A close friend of Camaroncocido.
25. Paciano Gomez
Brother of Paulita Gomez.
26. Camaroncocido
A Spaniard who is disdained by his peers due to his appearance.
27. Sinang
Friend of Maria Clara; daughter of Captain Basilio and Kapitana Tika.
28. Momoy
A guest at Paulita Gomez and Juanito Pelaez’s wedding who discusses the chaos at
their feast.
29. Captain Loleng
Discusses the chaos at Paulita Gomez and Juanito Pelaez’s feast and advises Isagani
to hide from potential blame.
30. Captain Toringgoy
Discusses the chaos at Paulita Gomez and Juanito Pelaez’s feast, speculating that
friars, Quiroga, or Makaraeg may be responsible.
31. Chichoy
Discusses the chaos at Paulita Gomez and Juanito Pelaez’s feast, suggesting that
Simoun planted a basket full of explosives.
32. Maria Clara
Dies in the Santa Clara convent, believed to have been repeatedly raped by Padre
Salvi.
 Noli Me Tangere Characters
 Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y Magsalin (Ibarra)

A wealthy young mestizo who has just returned to the Philippines after seven
years of studying in Europe, Ibarra is sophisticated, highly esteemed, and very
idealistic. The priests of San Diego all view him with great wariness on account of his
highly liberal education and connections. His father, the equally idealistic Don Rafael,
was labeled a subversive and a heretic by the corrupt priesthood and incarcerated,
ultimately leading to his death. Ibarra hopes to create a school in San Diego in order to
carry out his father's dreams and ideals, but he becomes entangled in conflicts with the
church and is forced to flee San Diego as a result of a conspiracy led by the scheming
Father Salví. In contrast to his more radical friend Elías, Ibarra generally wants to work
within systems to reform the Philippines, rather than overthrow them, but he shifts
towards Elías's beliefs as the novel progresses.

 María Clara

A woman of high social standing, she is thought to be the daughter of Capitan

Tiago and goddaughter of Father Dámaso. She is actually the biological daughter of
Father Dámaso, the product of a scandalous relationship between the old priest and
Capitan Tiago’s wife. María Clara grew up alongside Ibarra and planned to marry him,
but Father Dámaso disapproved of the union. After Ibarra is excommunicated from the
church, her guardians set her up to be wed to Linares, a wealthy young man of Spanish
descent, and she tries to go along with the plan to avoid hurting her father, the weak-
willed Capitan Tiago. When Ibarra is put on trial for sedition, she is coerced into
surrendering the letters Ibarra has sent her as evidence of his guilt. Ultimately, when
she hears of Ibarra's apparent death, she refuses to marry Linares and joins a convent.
  Father Dámaso

Father Dámaso is an old, power-hungry, and shamelessly corrupt Spanish priest

who has lived among the native Filipinos for nearly two decades. In spite of having
spent all that time among them, the years have done nothing to endear him or develop
any sympathy in him for his “flock.” He is deeply racist, as well as petty and vindictive,
and he thinks nothing of using his considerable influence to ruin the lives of those who
have slighted him, regardless of how small the offense is. He masterminded the death
of Don Rafael Ibarra, then brazenly taunted the younger Ibarra. After he publically
insults Ibarra's father, Ibarra attacks him and he excommunicates Ibarra from the
church. He is also the godfather (and, in fact, the biological father) of María Clara, giving
him influence over her relationship with Ibarra.

 Elías

A mysterious character, Elías is a man on the run from the law who resents both
the Spanish colonial government and the Catholic Church, despite his strong religious
convictions. He crosses paths with the more temperate Ibarra when Ibarra bravely
saves him from a crocodile. Elías uncovers a plot against Ibarra's life and works closely
with him throughout the second half of the novel. He and Ibarra have several long
conversations regarding the ethics of politics and governance, with Elias taking a more
revolutionary stance.

 Father Salví

A younger, more cunning Spanish priest who assumes control over Father
Damaso’s post as friar curate of San Diego. He is in many regards more dangerous that
his precursor as he is a more gifted strategist who uses his religious role for political
influence as well as personal vendettas. He frequently fights with the town's ensign for
power. His most significant role in the novel comes through his plot to ruin Ibarra, who is
engaged to María Clara, who he is in love with.

 Captain Tiago (Don Santiago de los Santos)

 Capitan Tiago is a rarity in that he is a wealthy Filipino who is native-born. He
keeps close ties with high-ranking members of the Catholic Church, despite actually
having no respect for religion, and shamelessly joins in others' racist insults against his
own people. His primary concern is to marry off his daughter, María Clara, to an affluent
man from an influential family. This is one of the main reasons that he is quick to toss
aside his loyalties to Ibarra when he is labeled a subversive. His predilection for
advantageous social pairings makes him quick to assent to Linares as a potential new
match for his daughter.

 The Ensign

The nameless head of the Civil Guard of the township of San Diego. A man of
Spanish descent, he is in a constant bitter feud with Father Salví to gain power in the
town. He imposes curfews that make it all but impossible for the citizens of San Diego to
attend mass at the proper schedule. He drinks excessively and is married to Doña
Consolación, who he frequently fights with.

 Doña Consolación

The pugnacious wife of The Ensign, Doña Consolación is an older Filipina

woman who is ashamed of her heritage and pretends to be unable to speak Tagalog,
her own native language. She fights with her husband frequently and makes many of
her husband's decisions for him. Despite being described as very ugly, she is proud and
demands respect from others.

 Don Rafael Ibarra

Crisóstomo Ibarra’s father is posthumously mentioned in the novel. A critic of the

corrupt practices of the Spanish friars, he earns the ire of the vitriolic Father Dámaso,
who accuses him of sedition and heresy. He dies in prison before his name can be
cleared. His remains are buried in the Catholic cemetery in the town of San Diego, but
Father Dámaso hires a gravedigger to disinter his body to have him buried at the
Chinese cemetery because of his status as a heretic.

 Crispín
 A young boy studying to be a church caretaker, Crispín and his brother Basilio
work ceaselessly to send support money to their beleaguered mother, Sisa. Crispín is
blamed for stealing money from the church coffers by the head sexton and is kept a
virtual prisoner until the debt is paid. On the night that he and his brother were to visit
their mother, the head sexton keeps them until the curfew, effectively barring the
brothers from travelling. The head sexton beats him and he is never seen again
afterward, presumably dying at the hands of the cruel head sexton, though another
church official claims he escaped.

 Basilio

Basilio is Crispín's older brother. Like his younger brother, he works as a sexton.
Basilio makes a desperate run for their home the night Crispín is dragged away and
attempts to locate his younger brother the day after, but his search efforts are fruitless.
The following day, the Civil Guard comes looking for him and his brother. Fearing for his
life, he runs to the forest where he goes into hiding, living with kind family until
Christmas Eve. When he finally locates Sisa, he learns that she has gone mad from
grief and is thus unable to identify him as her son. He follows her to the forest, where
she regains her wits temporarily and then dies from the shock.

 Doctor Tiburcio de Espadaña

A fraud and a hustler, the Spaniard who calls himself Doctor Tiburcio de
Espadaña was actually a customs officer who was dismissed from his post shortly after
arriving in the Philippines. Despite having no medical experience, he travels the
countryside posing as a doctor, charging extortionate fees for his so-called services
after his wife encourages him to pretend to be a doctor. His patients eventually catch
wind of his schemes and he is forced to relocate to another area where he is all but
unknown. He finds his way to San Diego, where he resumes his fake medical practice.

 La Doctora Victorina de los Reyes de Espadaña

A brazen and determined Filipina social climber, Doña Victorina is the spouse of
the counterfeit doctor, Tiburcio de Espadaña. She is well past her prime and relies on
garish make-up to carry on a façade of youth. She eagerly tries to marry off her nephew
to María Clara, likely as a means to further advance her social status.

 Lt. Guevara

A morally upright man of Spanish descent who holds both Crisóstomo Ibarra and
the late Don Rafael in high esteem, he is also the lieutenant of the Civil Guard. He is
one of the few who openly support the Ibarras and is vocal about his dislike of Father
Dámaso’s control. He informs Crisóstomo Ibarra of the fate of his father and how Father
Damaso was involved in his death.

 Linares

Dr. de Espadaña’s nephew, a respectable young Spanish man. Like his uncle, he
has forged credentials and hopes to climb through the social ranks.

 The Schoolmaster

A teacher that Don Rafael housed, thus allowing him to suitably attend to the task
of instructing students; he informs Crisóstomo Ibarra of the sorry state of education of
San Diego since the passing of his father. The friars closely watch the material being
taught in the school, forbidding him from teaching Spanish. The schoolmaster is grateful
to the Ibarra family, but he is not hopeful that he’ll make headway in getting any lasting
educational reforms to happen.

 Don Filipo (Filipo Lino)

Don Filipo Lino is a representative of the younger, less religiously shackled

generation of movers and shakers in San Diego, and he also serves as the vice mayor
of the town. He despises the idea of spending lavish amounts of money on the
numerous feast days that mark the religious calendar, seeing it as both wasteful and
burdensome to the citizens. His words, however, fall on deaf ears as he is only deputy
mayor, and the mayor himself is a dedicated follower of the Catholic church and the de
facto mouthpiece of the friars.

 The Mayor
Nothing more than a marionette of the Catholic priesthood, the unnamed mayor of San
Diego is very conservative and bows down to the religious officials of the town.

 The Yellow Man

An assassin tasked to kill the younger Ibarra, his plot to murder the young man is
thwarted by the cunning Elias. He is given this moniker for his permanently sallow,
jaundiced complexion.

 Sisa

The long-suffering mother of sextons-in-training Crispin and Basilio, she goes

mad upon the loss of her sons. Impoverished and married to a violent drunkard, she is
allied only with her sons. She wanders the town, clothes tattered and hair disheveled,
calling out for her sons. When she actually does meet Basilio, she cannot recognize
him.

 Father Sibyla

A priest serving in the Binondo district in the city of Manila, Father Sibyla serves
as a foil to the otherwise largely corrupt Father Dámaso and the perverse Father Salví
as he is rational and calm. Father Sibyla is an adept and shrewd orator who takes
obvious delight in antagonizing the pompous Father Dámaso at Ibarra’s return party.

 Aunt Isabel

A cousin of Capitan Tiago who raised Maria Clara as her own child after her mother’s
untimely death.

 Old Tasio (Don Anastasio)

An old man who previously studied philosophy and is believed to be crazy by

most of the community. He respects Ibarra and gives him valuable advice, and also
helped Ibarra's father before him.