Andrés Chiliquinga

Andrés Chiliquinga (ahn-DREHS chee-lee-KEEN-gah), an Indian who dies defending his huasipungo (a small plot of ground given workers on an estate) against the greedy whites.

Cunshi

Cunshi (KEWN-shee), his wife, who is wronged by Pereira.

Alfonso Pereira

Alfonso Pereira (ahl-FOHN-soh peh-RA-rah), a debt-ridden Ecuadorian landowner who cheats the Indians and sells timber rights on his estate.

Blanca

Blanca (BLAHN-kah), his wife, who uses Cunshi as wet nurse for their baby.

Lolita

Lolita (loh-LEE-tah), their seventeen-year-old daughter, in love with a mestizo.

Don Julio

Don Julio (HEW-lee-oh), Pereira’s uncle, who demands repayment of a ten-thousand-sucre loan.

Policarpio

Policarpio (poh-lee-KAHR-pee-oh), Pereira’s overseer, who is somewhat sympathetic toward the Indian tenants.

Padre Lomas

Padre Lomas (LOH-mahs), the avaricious, lustful village priest. He overcharges for masses and burials and tricks the Indians into building a road to open their territory.

Mr. Chapy

Mr. Chapy (CHA-pee), a North American promoter interested in timber and oil.

Jacinto Quintana

Jacinto Quintana (hah-SEEN-toh), the proprietor of the village store and saloon.

Juana

Juana (HWAH-nah), his wife, who is forced to accept the attentions of Pereira and the priest.

Juancho Cabascango

Juancho Cabascango (HWAHN-choh kah-bahs-KAHN-goh), a prosperous Indian, cursed by the priest and killed by the Indians.

A captain

A captain, who burns out and machine-guns the rebellious Indians.