RIZAL

• El Filibusterismo


  The second novel by Dr. Jose Rizal, also known as "The Reign of Greed"
• Key characters in El Filibusterismo

  • Simoun
  • Basilio
  • Isagani
  • Kabesang Tales
  • Don Custodio
  • Father Florentino
  • Paulita Gomez
  • Huli (Juliana de Dios)
  • Ben Zayb
  • Placido Penitente
  • Quiroga
  • Old Man Selo
  • Father Fernandez
  • Attorney Pasta
  • Padre Sibyla
• Simoun


  The alter ego of Crisostomo Ibarra from Rizal's earlier novel, Noli Me Tangere. He reappears as a wealthy jeweler, determined to start a revolution. His character embodies the desire for change and justice.
• Basilio


  The son of Sisa, aspires to become a doctor. His journey reflects the struggles faced by the common people during that time.
• Isagani


  A poet and Basilio's best friend. He is portrayed as emotional and reactive. Isagani is also the boyfriend of Paulita Gomez before being dumped for fellow student Juanito Peláez.
• Kabesang Tales


  A former cabeza de barangay, Kabesang Tales represents the common folk who suffered under the oppressive system.
• Don Custodio


  A "journalist," symbolizes the corrupt bureaucracy.
• Father Florentino


  The secular priest and godfather of Isagani, provides spiritual guidance and serves as a voice of reason.
• Paulita Gomez


  Isagani's girlfriend and Doña Victorina's niece. Her relationship with Isagani adds depth to the story.
• Huli (Juliana de Dios)


  Basilio's girlfriend and the youngest daughter of Kabesang Tales.
• Ben Zayb


  A journalist whose real name is Abraham Ibañez. His character highlights the power of media and its influence.
• Placido Penitente


  A student at the University of Santo Tomas, represents the youth's aspirations.
• Quiroga


  A Chinese businessman who plays a role in the novel's economic themes.
• Old Man Selo


  Kabesang Tales' father, who adds familial context to the story.
• Father Fernandez


  A priest and friend of Isagani, represents the Church's role in society.
• Attorney Pasta


  A prominent lawyer during the mid-Hispanic era in Manila.
• Padre Sibyla


  A Filipino friar and vice-rector of the University of Santo Tomas
• Key characters in Noli Me Tangere

  • Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y Magsalin (Ibarra)
  • María Clara
  • Padre Dámaso
  • Elías
  • Father Salví
  • Captain Tiago (Don Santiago de los Santos)
  • The Ensign
  • Old Tasio (Don Anastasio)
  • Don Rafael Ibarra
• Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y Magsalin (Ibarra)


  A wealthy young man of mixed Spanish and Filipino ancestry, recently returned to the Philippines from Europe after seven years of studying abroad. Cultured, well-respected, and engaged to María Clara. Represents the educated elite who seek positive change in society.
• María Clara


  A woman of high social standing in San Diego, childhood friend of Ibarra and engaged to marry him. Father Dámaso, her godfather, disapproves of their relationship.
• Padre Dámaso


  A Spanish friar living in the Philippines, arrogant and pedantic, despite having lived among Filipinos for over two decades. His actions and influence cause significant tension in the story.
• Elías


  An outlaw and revolutionary who resents the power of the Catholic Church and Spanish government. Swears to protect Ibarra after the latter saves his life from a crocodile. Symbolizes resistance against oppressive forces.
• Father Salví


  Takes over Father Dámaso's post as the town priest in San Diego, meticulous, cunning, and politically motivated. Uses his religious stature for personal gain.
• Captain Tiago (Don Santiago de los Santos)


  A wealthy Filipino socialite, close to high-ranking clergy members like Father Salví and Father Dámaso. One of the richest property owners in Manila.
• The Ensign


  A Spaniard in charge of the Civil Guard in San Diego, has a strained relationship with Father Salví. Represents the colonial administration's authority.
• Old Tasio (Don Anastasio)


  An elderly man who studied philosophy and prefers secular knowledge over Catholicism, attracts attention from friars and townspeople due to his atheistic worldview.
• Don Rafael Ibarra


  Ibarra's deceased father, accused by Father Dámaso, leading to his imprisonment and eventual death. His fate shapes Ibarra's quest for justice and reform.
• Noli Me Tangere explores the brutal truths of the Philippines during the 19th century Spanish colonial era, revealing widespread corruption, social disparities, and ecclesiastical dominance. It highlights the exploitative actions of the Spanish administration, the maneuvers of the Catholic Church, and the control of the ruling upper class. It pleads for reform through education and enlightenment.
• El Filibusterismo delves even deeper into the oppressive reality, painting a bleaker picture, hinting at the failure of peaceful avenues. It showcases protagonists' growing realization that peaceful reform is insufficient, and magnifies the yearning for a just and free society and the inevitable escalation towards armed resistance.
• Noli Me Tangere centers around Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra and his quest for justice and reform, exploring the struggles of various characters within the oppressive system.
• El Filibusterismo shifts focus to Simoun, who symbolizes growing discontent and radical means, highlighting disillusionment and frustration as characters abandon diplomatic solutions.
• Noli Me Tangere has a vibrant depiction with moments of color, humor, and intelligence, while El Filibusterismo is pervaded by bitterness, pain, sadness, and violence.
• Both novels are set in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period.
• Noli Me Tangere has a thoughtful and discursive narrative style, while El Filibusterismo is masterfully crafted, reflecting shattered hopes and revolutionary fervor.
• Both novels employ rich symbolism and allusions to convey deeper meanings.
• Noli Me Tangere advocates for reform through education and enlightenment, while El Filibusterismo hints at the need for more radical means, ultimately leading to armed resistance.
• Significant events in Noli Me Tangere

  • Crisóstomo Ibarra's Return
  • Building the Modern School
  • Elías and the Crocodile
  • Father Dámaso's Insults
  • María Clara's Engagement
  • Father Salví's Plot
  • Crisóstomo's Arrest and Escape
• Significant events in El Filibusterismo

  • The Return of Ibarra
  • Bapor Tabo's Journey
  • Basilio's Encounter with Simoun
  • Simoun's Failed Attempt to Recruit Basilio
  • Rejection of the Spanish Language Academy
  • Maria Clara's Death
  • Arrest of the Students
  • Juli's Death
  • Simoun's Continued Plotting
  • The Wedding and the Lamp
• Silhouette of a Filipina

  It is believed to represent Maria Clara, Crisostomo Ibarra's lover, on the cover of Noli Me Tangere
• A MAN IN A CASSOCK WITH HAIRY FEET

  Symbolism representing priests using religion in a dirty way, specifically Padre Damaso