MGA character

• Juan Crisóstomo Ibarra y Magsalin (Crisóstomo Ibarra)


  The protagonist, a young and wealthy Filipino who has returned to the Philippines after studying in Europe. He is idealistic and committed to reforming his country.
• María Clara de los Santos


  Ibarra's love interest and the daughter of Capitán Tiago. She is known for her beauty, piety, and the tragic revelation of her true parentage.
• Capitán Tiago (Don Santiago de los Santos)


  A wealthy and influential Filipino businessman who is María Clara's supposed father. He is submissive to the Spanish authorities and the church.
• Padre Dámaso


  A Franciscan friar who is the former parish priest of San Diego. He is domineering and has a deep-seated animosity towards Ibarra. It is later revealed that he is María Clara's biological father.
• Padre Salvi


  A scheming and sinister priest who replaces Padre Dámaso as the parish priest of San Diego. He harbors a secret obsession with María Clara.
• Elías


  A mysterious and revolutionary figure who becomes Ibarra's ally. He represents the growing unrest and desire for change among the Filipino people.
• Pilosopo Tasio (Don Anastasio)


  An old and wise philosopher who is often considered mad by the townsfolk. He serves as a voice of reason and a critic of the societal norms.
• Sisa (Narcisa)


  A tragic figure whose mental state deteriorates after losing her sons, Basilio and Crispín. She represents the suffering of the poor under Spanish rule.
• Basilio and Crispín


  Sisa's sons who work as sacristans. Crispín is falsely accused of theft and disappears, while Basilio survives to play a crucial role in Rizal's sequel, "El Filibusterismo."
• Don Rafael Ibarra

  Crisóstomo Ibarra's father, who is a respected and liberal-minded man. His unjust persecution and death highlight the abuses of the colonial system.
• Tenyente Guevara

  A Spanish lieutenant who sympathizes with Ibarra and tries to protect him from false accusations and conspiracies.
• Don Tiburcio de Espadaña

  A Spanish quack doctor who is married to Doña Victorina. He is henpecked and submissive to his domineering wife.
• Doña Victorina de Espadaña

  A Filipina who despises her own heritage and pretends to be a Spanish mestiza. She is obsessed with social status and outward appearances.
• Alfonso Linares

  A distant relative of Padre Dámaso and a suitor chosen by Padre Dámaso for María Clara. He is intended to replace Ibarra as María Clara's fiancé.
• Társilo and Bruno

  Brothers who join the insurgent group led by Elías. Their father was killed by the Spaniards, motivating them to seek revenge.
• Capitán Basilio

  One of the town's influential figures and the father of Sinang. He represents the local elite who are complicit with the colonial regime.
• Sinang

  María Clara's cheerful and loyal friend. She provides emotional support and companionship to María Clara.
• Victoria

  Another friend of María Clara who, along with Sinang, is part of her close circle.
• Nol Juan

  The foreman hired by Ibarra to supervise the construction of the school, symbolizing Ibarra's progressive ideas for reforming the community through education.
• Lucía

  The daughter of Capitan Basilio and a friend of María Clara.
• Captain-General

  The highest-ranking official in the Philippines who holds considerable power. He shows a degree of support for Ibarra but is limited by the entrenched system.
• Tía Isabel

  Capitán Tiago's cousin who helps take care of María Clara and the household.
• Andeng

  One of María Clara's childhood friends and one of the more grounded and practical characters in the story.
• Pedro

  Sisa's abusive husband who contributes to her tragic downfall.
• Capitán Heneral (Governor-General)

  The highest colonial official in the Philippines, representing the Spanish crown. His interactions with Ibarra and other characters reflect the complexities of colonial governance.
• Señor Pasta

  A lawyer who is approached by Ibarra for legal advice regarding his project to build a school. He is pragmatic and cautious, often advising against actions that might provoke the authorities.
• Capitán Tinong

  A friend of Capitán Tiago who gets involved in the political intrigue surrounding Ibarra. His fear of the authorities illustrates the pervasive atmosphere of fear and repression.
• Mateo Crispin

  An elderly man who serves as a sexton in the church and often interacts with the sacristans, including Crispín and Basilio.
• Doña Consolación

  The wife of the Alférez (a Spanish military officer). She is a Filipina who has adopted Spanish ways and looks down on her own people, often clashing with Doña Victorina.
• The Alférez (Lieutenant)

  The head of the local Guardia Civil (civil guard). He has a strained relationship with the church, particularly with Padre Salvi, and his wife, Doña Consolación.
• Hermana Rufa

  A pious woman who is part of the religious community, often seen engaging in superstitious practices and contributing to the critique of blind faith.
• Hermana Penchang

  Another devout woman who employs Basilio as a servant. She represents the local elite's exploitation of the poor.
• Iday

  One of María Clara's close friends, present during the picnic scene and part of the supportive social circle around María Clara.
• Capitán Joaquín


  Another town official who interacts with Ibarra and other main characters, representing the local governance.
• Capitana María

  A female leader in the community, showing the presence of influential women in the town's social structure.
• Sacristan Mayor

  The head sacristan who oversees the church's altar boys, including Crispín and Basilio.
• Don Filipo Lino

  A progressive town official who supports Ibarra's plans for reform. He represents the liberal Filipinos who desire change.
• Sinang's Father (Capitán Basilio)

  An influential figure in San Diego and part of the town's social elite, supporting the town's traditional power structures.
• Señora Victorina

  Doña Victorina's aunt, who is part of her social circle and adds to the portrayal of social climbers in the story.