Don Quixote Characters Analysis
Don Quixote de la Mancha - He is a middle-aged Spanish gentleman who suddenly decides to become a knight errant as he is inspired by the chivalry books that he reads day and night. His unique insanity is tempered by the fact that he is an intelligent and noble individual who always acts with the best intentions yet all of his actions eventually lead to a beating both for himself and his rustic squire, Sancho Panza.
Sancho Panza - He is a farm laborer, who agrees to be Don Quixote’s squire after he learns that knights generally bestow landed titles to their squires. Sancho treads the line between the imaginary world of Don Quixote and the real world. Sancho is primarily concerned with wealth but he too possesses a kind disposition much like his master. Sancho remains devoted to his master despite his madness as he also perceives his master’s keen intelligence and noble spirit.
The Priest - He is a resident of Don Quixote’s village and a close friend of the hidalgo. He discusses Chivalry books at length with the Hidalgo before he sets out on his journey as a knight. The priest later becomes obsessed with aiding the insane Hidalgo by forcefully returning him to the village under the pretense of being enchanted.
The Barber - He is a friend of Don Quixote, much like the priest, and he too aids the priest in his attempts of ‘rescuing’ their friend. The barber goes so far so to dress up as a damsel in distress to dupe Don Quixote and convinces him that he is enchanted when they transport him in a cage back to their village.
Sanson Carrasco - The graduate is featured in the second part of the novel, and he informs Don Quixote of the famous history that has been written about the knight’s adventure by a Cide Hamete Benengeli. He conspires with the Priest and the Barber to defeat Don Quixote in combat to force retirement on him. He is both the knight of spangles, who Don Quixote defeats and the knight of the moon which is when he finally defeats the hidalgo.
The Duke and Duchess - Don Quixote and Sancho meet the duke and duchess during their third sally. They discover that the royal couple is quite fond of the first tale of their adventure, and live with them at their palace. The duke and duchess go to extreme lengths in indulging themselves as they try to create a world that fits Don Quixote and Sancho’s insanity.
