Florentino Ariza

Florentino Ariza is a man thoroughly consumed by romantic passion, an illegitimate child born to a philandering father and a resourceful single mother. His life is defined by his unwavering love for Fermina Daza, a passion ignited in his adolescence and pursued relentlessly despite her initial rejection. Florentino's quest to win Fermina's heart sees him write the Lover’s Companion, a testament to his undying affection. He leaves his job as a telegraph messenger to work at the Riverboat Company of the Caribbean, owned by his uncle, eventually becoming its president. This ambition signifies his desire to elevate his social standing for Fermina's sake. His devotion to her is so intense that it often renders him physically ill and drives him to the brink of madness, even as he engages in numerous affairs to distract himself. Florentino is a juxtaposition of contradictions; he is both generous and miserly, loving yet lecherous, a character both admirable and ridiculous. Despite his many liaisons, including one with the young América Vicuña, his love for Fermina endures, culminating in their eventual reunion, which illustrates the enduring strength of his affection. His persistence is finally rewarded, demonstrating the power of steadfast love.

Fermina Daza

Fermina Daza is portrayed as a strong-willed and complex woman, the daughter of Lorenzo Daza, a mule dealer with aspirations for social advancement. Her life is marked by her resistance to control by both her father and Florentino's early romantic overtures. Although she rejects Florentino, her heart remains tethered to him throughout her fifty-year marriage to Dr. Juvenal Urbino, a union chosen for its social benefits rather than passion. Fermina embodies dualities; she is maternal yet manipulative, sincere yet coquettish, comforting yet cruel. After Urbino’s death, Fermina reflects on her enduring love for Florentino, acknowledging this truth in the novel’s final chapter. Her complex emotional landscape reveals a woman torn between duty and desire, ultimately embracing the love she once denied.

Dr. Juvenal Urbino

Dr. Juvenal Urbino is a distinguished physician educated in Paris, ardently dedicated to combating cholera. Despite his professional fervor, his personal life, particularly his marriage to Fermina, lacks passion. Urbino is depicted as a cultured gentleman, shaped by European ideologies, yet his exterior masks a superficial and pretentious character. In his dying moments, Urbino redeems himself by confessing his true love for Fermina, revealing an emotional depth that contrasts with his otherwise passionless existence. His character serves as a critique of appearances and the misdirection of passion, culminating in a poignant reflection on love's complexities.

Jeremiah de Saint-Amour

Jeremiah de Saint-Amour is a minor yet significant character whose life and death introduce themes of unrequited love and the illusions of identity. A Caribbean refugee with a dark past as an escaped convict, he shares a profound bond with Dr. Urbino. Jeremiah chooses to end his life to escape the afflictions of old age, leaving behind a secret mistress. His decision echoes the novel's exploration of love, devotion, and aging, providing a reflective commentary on the sacrifices made for passion and the facade of appearances versus reality.

Lorenzo Daza

Lorenzo Daza, Fermina's father, is a former mule trader with a shadowy reputation, suspected of illegal activities such as gun trafficking. Driven by the ambition for Fermina to ascend socially, he obstructs her early romance with Florentino, sending her away to forget him. Daza’s machinations eventually lead to his downfall and expulsion from the country, underscoring his willingness to manipulate circumstances to secure his daughter’s future.

Tránsito Ariza

Tránsito Ariza, Florentino's mother, is depicted as a supportive and understanding figure in her son's romantic endeavors. A pawnshop...