Sotileza (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)

At a glance:

Characters Discussed

Silda (SEEL-dah), an orphan called Sotileza (soh-tee-LEH-zah) because she is as dainty as a fishing-line leader. Attractive to men, though not beautiful, she is a paragon of virtue and rejects all advances until faithful Cleto proposes.

Mocejón (moh-seh-HOHN), her guardian, who dislikes her.

Carpia (KAHR-pee-ah), Mocejón’s nineteen-year-old daughter, who is jealous of Sotileza.

Cleto (KLEH-toh), Mocejón’s son, who marries Sotileza after being drafted into the navy.

Andrés Bitadura (ahn- DREHS bee-tah-DEW-rah), a friend of Sotileza. Kept away from the sea by his frightened mother, he reveals his father’s blood by saving a boat during a storm.

Captain Pedro Bitadura (PEH- droh), the father of Andrés and the captain of the SS Montañesa.

Padre Apolinar (ah-poh-lee- NAHR), who puts Sotileza into Mechelín’s care.

Mechelín (meh-cheh- LEEN), a crippled fisherman who becomes Sotileza’s foster father.

Muergo (MWEHR-goh), Mechelín’s son, who is drowned in an accident at sea.

Venancio Liencres (veh-NAHN- see-oh lee-EHN-krehs), a merchant to whom Andrés is apprenticed.

Luisa (lew-EE-sah), his daughter, who loves Andrés.

Tolín (toh-LEEN), her brother.

Reñales (rehn-YAH- lehs), a friend of Andrés.