Stone Desert (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)

At a glance:

Characters Discussed

Don Pedro Pablo Ontiveros (PEH-droh PAHB-loh ohn-tee-VEH- rohs), called Pepablo (peh-PAHB- loh), an aged, easygoing Argentine ranch owner. He dies when woodmen start cutting his trees.

Midas Ontiveros (MEE-dahs), Pepablo’s heir and a failure at everything.

Marcela (mahr-SEH-lah), Midas’ daughter, who wants to restore the rundown ranch but is too proud to follow the practices of the gringos. Finally, she recognizes their good qualities and marries Alfonso.

Aquiles (ah-KEE-lehs) and

Héctor (EHK-tohr), Marcela’s brothers.

Doña Claudia (KLOW-dee- ah), Midas’ mother-in-law.

Isidro Puentes (ee-SEE-droh PWEHN-tehs), the gringo owner of the adjoining ranch, which once was the property of Carpio.

Alfonso (ahl-FOHN-soh), Isidro’s son.

Roque Carpio (RROH-keh KAHR-pee-oh), a former convict who kills his unfaithful wife. While trying to kidnap Marcela, he is stabbed to death with her scissors.

Froilán Palacios (froy- LAHN pah-LAH-see-ohs), the overseer of Pepablo’s ranch.

Doña Silvestre (seel- VEHS-treh), his wife.

Difunto (dee-FEWN-toh), another overseer.

Leopolda (leh-oh-POHL-dah), his mannish wife.

Melitón Bazán (meh-lee- TOHN bah-SAHN), a famous hunter.

Don Tertulio (tehr-TEW-lee- oh), who searches Pepablo’s ranch house for treasure.

Mónica (MOHN-ee-kah), the daughter of Froilán. She is Carpio’s only mourner.