Gil Blas of Santillane

Gil Blas of Santillane (heel blahs, sahn-tee-YAHN) is a clever rogue who navigates through various stages of life by serving a series of masters. Starting with limited means, he ultimately rises to the position of a country gentleman. His adventures and misadventures include being captured by robbers, working for distinguished leaders, and engaging in various romantic liaisons. Throughout these experiences, Gil exhibits resourcefulness and adaptability, traits that are essential in his journey from rags to comfort.

Blas of Santillane

Blas of Santillane is the father of Gil Blas. He is married to an elderly chambermaid, indicating a life of modest means, which likely influenced Gil’s early struggles and aspirations.

Gil Pérez

Gil Pérez (PEH-rehs), Gil's uncle, plays a significant role in shaping his nephew’s early path by providing him with forty pistoles and a donkey, thus enabling Gil to attend the University of Salamanca. Despite his own indulgent lifestyle as a fat canon, Gil Pérez supports his nephew’s educational aspirations.

Antonia

Antonia (ahn-TOH-nyah), a farmer’s daughter, becomes Gil’s first wife. Tragically, she and their baby daughter both pass away, leaving Gil to seek solace and purpose elsewhere in life.

Dorothea

Dorothea (doh-roh-TEH-ah) is Gil’s second wife. Their union marks a period of stability and contentment, as they spend their later years together at an estate in Lirias that was gifted to Gil by Don Alfonso. This marriage provides Gil with a sense of fulfillment and peace.

Scipio

Scipio (SKEE-pee-oh) serves as Gil’s loyal servant. With ambitious aspirations, Scipio attempts to secure a marriage between himself and a wealthy goldsmith’s daughter. However, his efforts are thwarted by Gil’s unexpected arrest, which disrupts Scipio's plans and reveals the precariousness of their life circumstances.

Captain Rolando

Captain Rolando (rroh-LAHN-doh) is the formidable leader of a band of robbers who captures Gil en route to Salamanca. This encounter is one of the many hurdles that Gil faces, illustrating his ability to navigate and survive dangerous situations.

Donna Mencia

Donna Mencia (MEHN-see-ah), a captive of the robbers, is rescued by Gil. This act of bravery highlights Gil’s sense of honor and courage, qualities that often surface in his interactions with others, even in dire circumstances.

Fabricio

Fabricio (fah-BREE-see-oh) is a schoolmate of Gil who plays a crucial role in steering him towards a life in service. His advice reflects the pragmatic choices that guide Gil’s subsequent endeavors and the various roles he undertakes.

Doctor Sangrado

Doctor Sangrado (sahn-GRAH-doh) is one of Gil's employers, notable for his singular medical practice, which relies heavily on bleedings as a universal remedy. Gil’s time with the doctor sheds light on the questionable medical practices of the era and showcases Gil’s ability to adapt to diverse and often eccentric masters.

Don Matthias

Don Matthias (maht-TEE-ahs) is another of Gil’s masters, whose affluent lifestyle and fashionable attire capture Gil’s admiration. In an attempt to impress, Gil borrows Don Matthias’s clothes, only to discover the lady of his interest is merely a serving maid. This episode underscores the theme of social pretension and the pitfalls of ambition.

Arsenia

Arsenia (ahr-SEHN-ee-ah) is an actress who provides Gil with employment after the death of Don Matthias in a duel. Her brief presence in Gil’s life illustrates the transient and unpredictable nature of his career and social connections.

Aurora

Aurora (ow-ROH-rah) is a virtuous woman involved in a love affair with Lewis, which Gil facilitates. Her relationship with Lewis, culminating in marriage, demonstrates Gil’s occasional role as a facilitator of romantic unions.

Lewis

Lewis is a college student whose relationship with Aurora is aided by Gil. Their eventual marriage signifies the...