# Padre Antonio José Martínez — Death Comes for the Archbishop character guide

> Padre Antonio José Martínez in Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Martínez, Father Martínez, Antonio José Martínez

**First appearance:** 0019-book-v-padre-mart-nez

## Snapshot

The imperious priest of Taos, a bull-shouldered caudillo in buckskin and silver spurs who rules his parish like a feudal lord.

## Who they are

Padre Martínez commands a hundred mounted followers and the fear of northern New Mexico, a man whose physical force and tyrannical self-will make him unforgettable on the street. He acquired the fertile farms of seven hanged Indians through a promise he never kept, and he leads the Santa Fe clergy in refusing to recognize their new Bishop. Father Latour sees in him a picturesque but already obsolete figure—the day of lawless personal power is passing, even on the frontier.

## In the story

### [II: Hidden Water](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/death_comes_for_the_archbishop_se/chapters/ii-hidden-water)

Referenced as the powerful old native priest in Taos who leads a revolt against Latour's authority, described as terrifying with a violent face.

### [Book V: Padre Martínez](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/death_comes_for_the_archbishop_se/chapters/book-v-padre-mart-nez)

The powerful and defiant priest of Taos who eventually leads a schism against the bishop's authority.

### [The Old Order](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/death_comes_for_the_archbishop_se/chapters/i-the-old-order)

The powerful and defiant priest of Taos, who instigated the Taos revolt, acquired Indian lands through deceit, and openly challenges Bishop Latour's authority.

### [II: The Miser](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/death_comes_for_the_archbishop_se/chapters/ii-the-miser)

Mentioned as having led a schism with Lucero; his money was entrusted to Lucero for masses.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/death_comes_for_the_archbishop_se/characters/padre_martinez
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/death_comes_for_the_archbishop_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/death_comes_for_the_archbishop_se/characters