Character guide

Lazarillo de Tormes

major

Also known as Lazarillo, Lazaro, Lazaro de Tormes, Poor Lazaro

The protagonist and narrator, a poor boy who serves a series of masters.

The Blind Man

major

Also known as the blind man

Lazarillo's first master, a cunning and cruel beggar who teaches him hard lessons.

The Priest

major

Also known as the priest, the miserly priest

Lazarillo's second master, a miserly and hypocritical clergyman who starves him.

The Squire

major

Also known as my master, my good master

Lazarillo's third master, a poor but proud gentleman who lives on appearances.

The Friar

minor

Also known as my fourth master

Lazarillo's fourth master, a friar who abandons him after a short time.

The Bull Seller

supporting

Also known as my fifth master

Lazarillo's fifth master, a seller of papal bulls who uses trickery.

The Painter

minor

Also known as my sixth master

Lazarillo's sixth master, a painter who leaves town quickly.

The Chaplain

minor

Also known as my seventh master

Lazarillo's seventh master, a chaplain who gives him a steady job.

The Archpriest

supporting

Also known as the Archpriest, the archpriest

A powerful churchman who arranges Lazarillo's marriage and becomes his patron.

The Archpriest's Maid

supporting

Also known as your master's wife

The woman Lazarillo marries at the Archpriest's urging, central to his final situation.

Diego Hurtado de Mendoza

supporting

Also known as Don Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, Don Diego de Mendoza, Diego, Don Diego

The attributed author of the book, a Spanish nobleman and writer.

Íñigo López de Mendoza

minor

Also known as Mendoza, Inigo, Lopez de Mendoza, Inigo Lopez, Don Inigo Lopez de Mendoza

Marquis of Santillana, a prominent ancestor in the Mendoza family history.

Juan de Mendoza

minor

Also known as Juan I, Don Juan de Mendoza

A historical figure in the Mendoza family lineage mentioned in the introductory chapters.

Doña Eleanor Hurtado

minor

Also known as Hurtado, Eleanor Hurtado, Doña Eleanor

A female ancestor in the Mendoza family tree, mentioned in the genealogy.

Maria de Haro

minor

Also known as Maria

A family member in the Mendoza lineage, mentioned in the genealogy.

Doña Maria Laso de Mendoza

minor

Also known as Doña Maria, Maria de Mendoza, de Mendoza

Another female ancestor in the Mendoza family, noted in the introductory chapters.

Juan de Luna

minor

Also known as Luna

A person mentioned in the context of the book's publication or translation history.

Abel Jeffes

minor

A printer or publisher associated with an early edition of the book.

David Rowlands

minor

A translator of the book into English, mentioned in the translation history.

Charles V

minor

Also known as Charles

Holy Roman Emperor, mentioned as a historical figure in the narrative.

Cervantes

minor

The famous Spanish author, mentioned in the introductory material.

Don Diego Lopez de Pacheco

minor

Also known as Don Diego Lopez, Don Lopez, Diego

A nobleman mentioned in the Mendoza family context.

Don Garcia de Toledo

minor

Also known as Toledo

A historical figure mentioned in the introductory chapters.