Gil Blas · Character

Captain Rolando

A boastful and impoverished old soldier who befriends Gil Blas.

minor

Also known as Rolando

First appearance: i

Captain Rolando's tie to Gil Blas is one of the pressures that moves Gil Blas—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Leader of the banditti who captures Gil Blas and forces him to serve them.

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With Gil Blas (friendship): Captain Rolando is a friend and mentor figure to Gil Blas, offering guidance and protection during their travels. With Gil Blas (friendship): Captain Rolando is a friend and mentor figure to…

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See Captain Rolando in i

Character Web

12 connections

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Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Patrons and Companions
Protagonist
Romantic and Domestic Intrigue

+7 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this excerpt, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Gil Blas, through the fable of Atalmuc, indi…

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Relationships

Gil Blas
friendship · positive
Captain Rolando is a friend and mentor figure to Gil Blas, offering guidance and… How this plays out →
Gil Blas
friendship · positive
Captain Rolando is a friend and mentor figure to Gil Blas, offering guidance and… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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See Captain Rolando in i

In the story

Captain Rolando appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book I
Leader of the banditti who captures Gil Blas and forces him to serve them.
IV
Captain Rolando is the leader of the bandits; he interrogates Gil Blas, assigns him as scullion, and explains the history of the subterranean dwelling.
The Arrival of the Banditti in the Subterraneous Retreat, with an Account of Their Pleasant Conversation
Leader of the banditti; tells the first story of his upbringing as a rich citizen's son who learned gambling and deceit.
VI
Apologizes for his life of banditry and goes to bed; later awakens and mocks Gil Blas for his escape attempt.
VII
Praises Gil Blas's wit and humor, and proposes that Gil Blas be allowed to join the gang on a robbery.
VIII
Captain Rolando assigns Gil Blas the task of robbing the friar and later praises his performance, predicting he will become an accomplished highwayman.
IX
Leads the banditti, orders the attack, threatens Gil Blas, and is the first to approach the captured lady.
The Lady's Treatment from the Robbers—The Vent of the Great Design, Conceived by Gil Blas
Leads the banditti, orders the lady to be left in Leonarda's care, and departs for Mansilla with the others.
The History of Doña Mencía de Mosquera
Leader of the banditti who attacked Don Alvar and his party.
Book II
Leader of the banditti who captures Gil Blas.
Book III
Leader of the banditti who captures Gil Blas.
II
Former bandit leader now an alguazil; recounts his capture, pardon, and attempts to recruit Gil Blas for a new gang.

Chapter companion notes

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See Captain Rolando in i

See Captain Rolando in Book I