The Sparrow Characters
The main characters in The Sparrow include Emilio Sandoz, Vincenzo Giuliani, and Sofia Mendes.
- Emilio Sandoz is a Jesuit priest and linguist who becomes the sole survivor of the mission to Rakhat. His experiences on Rakhat shatter his once-powerful faith in God and leave him physically mutilated.
- Vincenzo Giuliani is the Father General of the Society of Jesus and the director of Emilio’s hearings when Emilio returns to Earth.
- Sofia Mendes is a developer of artificial intelligence programs and a member of the mission to Rakhat. Loved by both Emilio and Jimmy Quinn, the mission’s astronomer, she eventually marries Jimmy.
Characters
Emilio Sandoz
Emerging from a challenging upbringing in La Perla slum, Puerto Rico, Emilio Sandoz is a Jesuit priest and an exceptional linguist, making him the central character of The Sparrow. His fluency in languages serves as a catalyst for his journey to the planet Rakhat. Around friends, Emilio is charming and witty, easily joining in light-hearted banter, while displaying gentleness and charisma with children. Described as possessing "exotic good looks," Emilio attracts many, yet remains stoic and enigmatic to those whom he finds uncomfortable. Vincenzo Giuliani initially calls him "a puzzling man," and upon first meeting, John Candotti "could not imagine this man laughing," until later discovering Emilio’s relaxed and humorous nature.
Emilio's spiritual journey is at the heart of the narrative. His deep faith and conviction that God is guiding the Jesuits to Rakhat lead to an intense spiritual experience upon meeting the Runa. However, this spiritual high is tragically followed by a devastating crash. Betrayed by Supaari VaGayjur, Emilio is traded to the Reshtar of Galatna, Hlavin Kitheri, and subjected to horrific sexual violence, imprisoned in a brothel. His repeated rape shatters his faith in a loving God, leaving him grappling with guilt over the violation of his vows of celibacy and the murder of the young Askama, committed in a moment of desperation.
Back on Earth, Emilio is the sole survivor, consumed by profound psychic pain and existential queries about the nature of evil. Despite the helplessness of his captivity, he feels immense guilt over the atrocious events. His theological education, which included the reality of evil, is tested against his traumatic experiences. Emilio’s healing journey is intertwined with the storytelling that unfolds in the novel, as he seeks to reconcile his faith and find peace.
Vincenzo Giuliani
Vincenzo Giuliani serves as the Father General of the Society of Jesus during Emilio’s return to Earth. Initially struggling to understand Emilio, Giuliani commits to patiently observing him to uncover the events on Rakhat. Though first appearing manipulative, Giuliani gradually reveals himself as an intuitive and compassionate leader. His decisions throughout the hearings play a crucial role in allowing Emilio to share his traumatic experiences, ultimately guiding him toward healing.
John Candotti
John Candotti is a priest from Chicago, described as "bony, big-nosed, half-bald," with a compassionate nature that once led him to intervene in a street fight. This empathy draws him to Emilio, offering friendship and understanding to the ostracized priest. Candotti’s ability to make Emilio feel at ease is significant, as Emilio entrusts him as his confessor. Through their interactions, Candotti witnesses the warmer, more humorous side of Emilio.
Johannes Voelker
Johannes Voelker, Father General's private secretary, is depicted as "an unappealing man" with a binary view of the world: everything is either black or white, sin or virtue. His harsh and accusatory demeanor during the hearings highlights this perspective. Despite John Candotti’s characterization of him as "a jerk," Voelker’s understanding evolves as Emilio’s truth comes to light.
Edward Behr
Edward Behr is assigned to care for Emilio upon his return to Earth. Skilled in handling trauma, Behr adopts "a sort of British butler persona" to manage Emilio effectively. Familiar with Emilio’s physical injuries and night terrors, Behr persistently follows him when overwhelmed, safeguarding him from intrusive reporters and providing a comforting presence.
Felipe Reyes
Felipe Reyes, influenced by Emilio during his formative years in La Perla slum, is brought to Naples by the Father General to aid in the hearings. Felipe's role is significant in supporting Emilio during his challenging period of recounting his experiences.
Jimmy Quinn
Jimmy Quinn, a young astronomer at Arecibo,...
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discovers the first extraterrestrial transmission, propelling the mission to Rakhat. His intelligence and empathy enable him to navigate complex scientific and interpersonal challenges, earning him a significant role in strategic decision-making during the mission. As D.W. prepares for his death, he entrusts Jimmy with leadership, recognizing his calm and rational crisis response. Jimmy is "a generous soul," showing tenderness and selflessness, especially towards Sofia Mendes, despite her past and physical injuries.
George Edwards
George Edwards, a retired engineer volunteering at Arecibo, joins the mission to Rakhat inspired by his zest for life. His "exuberant, try-anything approach" leads him to eagerly learn about Rakhat’s technology. When fuel shortages threaten their return, George takes responsibility, driven by guilt over previous misjudgments, and focuses on finding a solution for their journey back to Earth.
Anne Edwards
Anne Edwards, a doctor at the Jesuit clinic in La Perla, initially skeptical about joining the mission, contributes her medical expertise and anthropological insights. Described by Emilio as "compact, quick and intellectually fearless," Anne’s humor and observational skills help her form deep bonds, becoming a maternal figure in the group. Anne's nurturing nature and culinary talents enrich the mission's communal life.
Sofia Mendes
Sofia Mendes, contracted to develop artificial intelligence programs, initially meets Emilio to create a language-learning tool. Her work at Arecibo with Jimmy Quinn builds deep connections, with both men developing feelings for her. Sofia's "lightning brightness" contrasts with her social awkwardness, but over time, she forms profound relationships, evolving from a formal demeanor to a loving family-oriented individual.
Dalton Wesley “D.W.” Yarbrough
Dalton Wesley "D.W." Yarbrough, the New Orleans Provincial of the Society of Jesus, leads the mission to Rakhat. His Texan roots, military background, and concealed homosexuality, known only to Anne, shape his character. D.W.'s humor, knowledge, and leadership earn respect and affection, vital to maintaining morale and cohesion among the crew.
Jean-Claude Jaubert
Jean-Claude Jaubert, Sofia's broker, experiences a pivotal change when someone anonymously clears her contract, granting her freedom before the Jesuit mission. His role in Sofia's life significantly impacts her ability to join the expedition to Rakhat.
Marc Robichaux
Marc Robichaux, a Jesuit priest and naturalist dubbed "the quintessential Shy, Cute Guy" by Anne, partakes in the mission to Rakhat. Tragically, Marc succumbs to complications following a hand mutilation procedure, a loss that Emilio internalizes, burdened by guilt over his death.
Alan Pace
Alan Pace, a Jesuit priest and musicologist, unexpectedly dies shortly after the group's arrival on Rakhat. Anne conducts an autopsy, and his remains are respectfully buried at their initial landing site, marking the crew’s somber beginnings.
Askama
Askama, a Runa child, becomes an essential interpreter between the Jesuit mission team and the residents of Kashan. Her close relationship with Emilio ends tragically when Emilio, in a moment of despair, accidentally kills her, a harrowing act that haunts him deeply.
Supaari VaGayjur
Supaari VaGayjur, a middle-class Jana’ata merchant, initially allies with the Jesuit crew, providing cultural insights. However, his ambitions lead him to betray Emilio, trading him to Hlavin Kitheri in exchange for familial rights, a pivotal betrayal that alters Emilio’s fate.
Hlavin Kitheri
Hlavin Kitheri, the Reshtar of Galatna, is the enigmatic composer whose music incited the Jesuit mission to Rakhat. He embodies the dichotomy of beauty and evil, as his artistic allure starkly contrasts with his cruel treatment of Emilio. His inability to comprehend the fear and pain scents emitted by Emilio, due to a lack of context, highlights his brutal nature as he repeatedly violates Emilio, perpetuating the cycle of trauma.
