Characters and Symbolisms in the Novel ‘Noli Me Tangere’

• Ibarra (Crisostomo Ibarra Y Magsalin)

  • Description: Liberal European-educated Filipino, loyal son, courageous, civic-minded, liberty-loving, and patriotic.

  • Symbolism: Represents Filipino culture forged in Europe among young students whom Jose Rizal endeavored to involve in the national movement. Embodies the idea of Liberalism.

  • Importance Today: Ibarra's character is significant in today's society as a representation of the educated and enlightened Filipino youth advocating for progress, liberty, and nationalism.
• The Couple Capitan Tiago and Doña Pia

  • Description: Wealthy Filipino man and his wife.

  • Symbolism: Represent the bleak future of the Philippines under Spanish rule.

  • Importance Today: Their characters highlight the need for vigilance against neocolonial influences and the importance of forging a future independent of foreign domination.
• Elias

  • Description: Humble, courageous, thoughtful, and farsighted, from a persecuted family.

  • Symbolism: Represents the resilient core of pre-Spanish Filipino culture that survived Spanish colonization.

  • Importance Today: Elias embodies the spirit of resistance and the importance of remembering and preserving indigenous culture amidst globalization.
• Don Rafael Ibarra

  • Description: Crisostomo's father, a rich landlord with a social conscience, philanthropist.

  • Symbolism: Symbolizes the wealthy with social responsibility and independent views, in opposition to corrupt authorities like Father Damaso.

  • Importance Today: Highlights the role of socially responsible businesses and individuals in promoting ethical governance and community welfare.
• Tasio (Pilosopo Tasio)

  • Description: Intellectual with ideas ahead of his time, misunderstood by his generation.

  • Symbolism: Represents Filipino intellectuals who stayed in the country and later disengaged from religious tutelage.

  • Importance Today: Tasio's character underscores the need for critical thinking and progressive ideas in societal development.
• Kapitan Tiago (Anastacio De Los Santos)

  • Description: Rich landowner, subservient to authorities, religious fanatic.

  • Symbolism: Represents the oligarchic Filipino who prioritizes personal interests and maintains peace with the government and church.

  • Importance Today: Reflects the ongoing struggle between personal gain and societal good, highlighting issues of corruption and complicity.
• Doña Victorina De Los Reyes De Espadana

  • Description: Pure-blooded Filipina who disdains Filipino culture and imitates Spanish customs.

  • Symbolism: Embodies colonial mentality.

  • Importance Today: Her character warns against the dangers of colonial mentality and the importance of embracing and valuing one's own culture.
• Doña Consolacion

  • Description: Mistress of the Alferez, abusive towards Sisa.

  • Symbolism: Another woman who passes herself off as a Peninsular.

  • Importance Today: Highlights issues of identity and the often destructive desire to assimilate into a colonizing culture.
• Maria Clara

  • Description: Pious, beautiful, faithful lover, self-sacrificing, convent-educated.

  • Symbolism: Represents the conservative Filipino womanhood.

  • Importance Today: Maria Clara's character reflects the ongoing tension between traditional values and modern feminist ideals.
• Sisa

  • Description: Mother of Crispin and Basilio, driven to madness by societal neglect.

  • Symbolism: Illustrates society's neglect and maltreatment of the marginalized.

  • Importance Today: Sisa's plight emphasizes the need for social justice and support for the vulnerable sectors of society.
• The Gobernadorcillo

  • Description: Despotic towards subordinates, blindly obedient to superiors.

  • Symbolism: Signifies authoritarianism and lack of autonomy.

  • Importance Today: His character is a reminder of the dangers of authoritarian rule and the importance of dignified and just leadership.
• The School Teacher

  • Description: Educated individual advocating for better teaching methods.

  • Symbolism: Represents educational reform and opposition to corporal punishment.

  • Importance Today: Highlights the need for continuous improvement in the education system to foster holistic learning environments.
• Padre Damaso

  • Description: Gross, tyrannical Franciscan, biological father of Maria Clara.

  • Symbolism: Represents corrupt old missionaries who abused their power.

  • Importance Today: His character reflects ongoing issues of corruption and abuse of power within institutions.
• Padre Salvi

  • Description: Young missionary who follows corrupt footsteps of predecessors.

  • Symbolism: Represents the perpetuation of old, oppressive practices by new authorities.

  • Importance Today: Padre Salvi's character is a caution against the perpetuation of outdated and harmful traditions by new generations.