Study Notes: Characters in Noli Me Tangere
Main Characters
MAIN CHARACTERS
Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y Magsalin (Ibarra): A young, wealthy Filipino educated in Europe. Idealistic and
seeks reform in society.
María Clara de los Santos: Ibarra's sweetheart, raised by Kapitan Tiago, later revealed to be the daughter of
Padre Dámaso.
Padre Dámaso: A corrupt and arrogant friar who abuses his power. Biological father of María Clara.
Padre Salví: Manipulative friar who replaced Padre Dámaso and secretly desires María Clara.
Kapitan Tiago (Don Santiago de los Santos): Wealthy and influential man, adoptive father of María Clara.
Elías: Mysterious, brave man who helps Ibarra. Symbolizes revolution and justice.
Pilosopo Tasyo (Don Anastacio): An intelligent philosopher who's considered mad by townspeople. Symbol of
reason and wisdom.
Other Important Characters
OTHER IMPORTANT CHARACTERS
Don Rafael Ibarra: Ibarra's father. A wealthy and kind man who died in prison due to friar abuses.
Tía Isabel: Maria Clara's aunt and guardian. Traditional and religious.
Doña Victorina de Espadaña: A Filipina who pretends to be Spanish and is obsessed with social status.
Don Tiburcio de Espadaña: Her Spanish husband. A fake doctor and a coward.
Sisa: Mother of Crispín and Basilio. Driven mad by the suffering of her sons.
Basilio: Sisa's elder son. Represents hope despite tragedy.
Crispín: Sisa's younger son. A child accused of theft and possibly killed by the church officials.
Alperes: Head of the Civil Guard. Rival of Padre Salví.
Doña Consolación: Alperes' cruel and vulgar wife.
Kapitan Basilio: Political rival of Don Rafael.
Kapitana María: Supporter of liberal ideas.
Lucas: A schemer who helps frame Ibarra.
Bruno: Lucas's brother who dies during the school construction.
Tarsilo and Bruno: Siblings tortured during rebellion.
Andeng: Maria Clara's loyal servant.
Albino: A former seminarian who joins the picnic group.
León, Victoria, Sinang: Friends of Maria Clara, present during the picnic.
Ibarra's Teacher: Symbol of education.
Capitán Pablo: Leader of bandits, believes in justice.
Symbolism of the Characters
SYMBOLISM OF CHARACTERS
Ibarra - Reform-minded Filipino elite
Elias - Revolution and national awakening
Maria Clara - The ideal, oppressed Filipina
Padre Dámaso - Abusive friars and colonial church
Pilosopo Tasyo - Enlightenment and intellectualism
Sisa - Suffering Filipino mothers
Basilio & Crispín - Innocent youth victimized by system