Gil Blas

Joseph Navarro

Gil Blas and Joseph Navarro are close friends and confidants, sharing adventures and supporting each other through hardships.

Scipio

Gil Blas and Scipio are loyal companions, with Scipio often serving as Gil Blas's witty and resourceful sidekick.

Fabricio

Fabricio and Gil Blas are old friends and fellow travelers, sharing a bond of mutual trust and camaraderie.

Laura

Gil Blas and Laura share a passionate but tumultuous romantic relationship, marked by infidelity and reconciliation.

Count de Lemos

Count de Lemos is Gil Blas's employer and patron, a relationship built on service and political advantage.

Ambrose de Lamela

Ambrose de Lamela and Gil Blas are friends and occasional co-conspirators, sharing a history of roguish adventures.

Captain Rolando

Captain Rolando is a friend and mentor figure to Gil Blas, offering guidance and protection during their travels.

Don Andrew de Tordesillas

Don Andrew de Tordesillas is a jealous rival of Gil Blas, often competing for status and romantic attention.

Captain Rolando

Captain Rolando is a friend and mentor figure to Gil Blas, offering guidance and protection during their travels.

Laura

Gil Blas and Laura share a passionate but tumultuous romantic relationship, marked by infidelity and reconciliation.

Joseph Navarro

Gil Blas and Joseph Navarro are close friends and confidants, sharing adventures and supporting each other through hardships.

Fabricio

Fabricio and Gil Blas are old friends and fellow travelers, sharing a bond of mutual trust and camaraderie.

Gil Blas to the Reader

Narrator addressing the reader directly, setting up the parable.

Gil Blas

Protagonist; leaves home for Salamanca and is robbed at an inn.

Book I

Narrator and protagonist; recounts his birth, education, and early adventures.

I

Narrator and protagonist; a clever young man eager to see the world, leaving home for Salamanca.

II

Travels from Oviedo to Pegnaflor, counts his ducats, is tricked by a false soldier, and later duped by a parasite and the innkeeper.

III

Narrator and protagonist; flees from the inn and is captured by two men in the forest.

IV

Gil Blas is captured and brought to the bandits' underground lair, where he is terrified and forced to become a scullion.

The Arrival of the Banditti in the Subterraneous Retreat, with an Account of Their Pleasant Conversation

Serves as cupbearer to the banditti, listening to their stories and reflecting on his own situation.

VI

Attempts to escape from the banditti's lair but is caught and beaten by Domingo.

VII

Feigns happiness and adopts the robbers' lifestyle to gain their trust and eventually secure his freedom.

VIII

Gil Blas is forced to participate in his first highway robbery as a member of the gang, feeling internal guilt but unable to escape.

IX

Narrates the skirmish, trembling with fear but forced to fight; he fires harmlessly and survives.

The Lady's Treatment from the Robbers—The Vent of the Great Design, Conceived by Gil Blas

Feigns colic to stay behind, threatens Leonarda, rescues the lady, and escapes with her to Astorga.

The History of Doña Mencía de Mosquera

Present as a listener to Doña Mencía's story; was with the banditti who killed Don Alvar.

XII

Narrates his imprisonment, false accusation, and loss of his uncle's forty ducats to the corrupt corregidor.

XIII

Released from prison, stripped of his clothes, given an old frock, and lent money by the chorister; travels toward Burgos.

XIV

Visits Doña Mencía at the convent, receives money, and secures lodging in Burgos.

XV

Decides to adopt a gentleman's appearance, buys a costly suit, receives a ring and a thousand ducats from Doña Mencía, and follows his landlord's advice to go to Madrid.

XVI

Arrives in Valladolid, falls asleep, and is deceived by Camilla and Don Raphael's false hospitality.

XVII

After being robbed, he considers his options and meets Fabricio, who convinces him to become a lackey.

Book II

Protagonist; narrates his journey from home to Madrid, including his misfortunes and service with Doctor Sangrado.

Chapter I

Narrator and protagonist; enters service of Licentiate Sédillo through Fabricio's recommendation; adapts to household by flattering Dame Jacintha.

II

Narrator and servant to the Licentiate Sédillo; fetches Doctor Sangrado, assists in the treatment, and ultimately receives a legacy of books.

III

Enters Doctor Sangrado's service, becomes a medical practitioner, and meets Fabricio.

IV

Continues practicing medicine under Sangrado and devises a plan with Fabricio to recover his stolen ring from Camilla.

V

Participates in the trick on Camilla, is arrested, imprisoned, and later released. Returns to Doctor Sangrado's service but becomes disillusioned with their medical practice and flees Valladolid.

VI

Leaves Valladolid after his service with Doctor Sangrado, heading to Madrid with five ducats.

VIII

Narrator and participant in the encounter with the actor Melchior Zapata.

The Meeting of Diego with His Family

Narrator and companion to Diego; observes the festivities and the schoolmaster's pretensions.

Book III

Protagonist and narrator; recounts his misfortunes and early service.

I

Arrives in Madrid, takes service with Don Bernard, and observes his master's secretive behavior.

II

Narrator and protagonist; meets Captain Rolando in Madrid and refuses his offer to join a new band of outlaws.

III

Dismissed by Don Bernard de Castil Blazo; enters service of Don Matthias de Silva.

IV

Introduced to the ways of Madrid's fashionable servants; learns to feign wit and adopts the mock oath.

Gil Blas becomes the darling of the fair sex, and makes an interesting acquaintance.

Transforms from a discreet lad to a lively gallant, disguises himself as Don Caesar de Ribera to pursue romantic conquests, and becomes infatuated with Laura.

VI

Narrator and servant to Don Matthias; accompanies his master to Don Alexo Segiar's gathering and the theater.

VIII

Narrator and secretary to Don Matthias; witnesses the duel and flees after his master's death.

IX

After Don Matthias's death, Gil Blas becomes selective about his next service and accepts a steward position with Arsenia through Laura's arrangement.

Much such another as the foregoing

Narrates his experience at the theatre, feels jealousy over Laura, and serves as cupbearer at the supper.

XI

Narrates the chapter; begins his stewardship by buying provisions and observes the theatrical company's behavior.

Gil Blas acquires a relish for the theatre, and takes a full swing of its pleasures, but soon becomes disgusted.

Becomes obsessed with theatre, learns plays by heart, then becomes disgusted with the immoral lifestyle and resolves to leave.

Book IV

Protagonist navigating court intrigues and personal growth.

Chapter I

Narrator and protagonist; leaves Arsenia's service and enters Don Vincent's household, where he becomes infatuated with Aurora.

Chapter II

Mistakes Aurora's intentions, then serves as her scout to investigate Don Lewis Pacheco.

Chapter III

Gil Blas remains in Aurora's service, supports her scheme, and accompanies her on the journey to Salamanca.

Chapter V

Aurora's confidant and accomplice; delivers the forged letter to Isabella.

VI

Serves as a messenger and scout in Aurora's scheme, attending Don Lewis and Don Felix.

VII

Leaves Aurora's service, enters Don Gonzales's household, discovers Euphrasia's infidelity, reports it, and is dismissed despite his good intentions.

VIII

Narrator and chief manager of the marchioness's establishment, ushering guests and observing the household.

IX

Narrator and protagonist; leaves Madrid after losing a duel, travels to Toledo and then toward Cuenca, helps a young gentleman evade arrest.

XI

Surprised to recognize Don Raphael and Ambrose de Lamela disguised as hermits; agrees to join their band out of friendship for Don Alphonso.

Book V

Protagonist navigating court intrigues and personal growth.

II

Narrates the events and assists in the rescue and subsequent arrangements.

Book VI

Protagonist navigating court intrigues and personal growth.

I

Narrator and participant in the scheme, cast as the alguazil.

Chapter II

Gil Blas agrees with Don Alphonso's decision to leave the company of Don Raphael and Lamela, expressing his own remorse over their dishonest actions and his desire to reform.

III

Nurses Don Alphonso back to health, swears eternal friendship, and becomes his steward after the revelation of Don Alphonso's parentage.

Book VII

Protagonist navigating service with the Archbishop and later the Duke of Lerma and Count of Olivarez.

I

Returns to Leyva, becomes steward, and begins an affair with Lorenza Sephora; confronts the surgeon out of jealousy.

II

Narrator and protagonist; travels to Grenada and secures a position as secretary to the Archbishop of Grenada.

III

Becomes the archbishop's favorite and confidential secretary, using his position to help others.

IV

Gil Blas is the narrator and protagonist, currently serving as the archbishop's favorite. He struggles with whether to speak honestly about the archbishop's declining homilies and ultimately does so, leading to his dismissal.

V

Narrates his dismissal by the archbishop, collects his hundred ducats, receives advice from Melchior, and encounters the ungrateful licentiate Lewis Garcias.

Gil Blas goes to the play at Grenada

Attends the play, recognizes Laura as Estella, and visits her the next day.

VIII

Arrives in Grenada, settles into his new position with the Marquis de Marialva, and visits the theatre where he reunites with Melchior Zapata.

IX

Narrator and protagonist; meets the old monk at supper, is impressed by his elixir and palmistry, and resolves to attach himself to the Marquis de Marialva.

The Marquis de Marialva gives a commission to Gil Blas—That faithful secretary acquits himself of it as shall be related.

Acts as the Marquis's secretary, delivers gifts to Laura, and struggles with guilt over the imposture.

A Thunderbolt to Gil Blas

Flees Grenada after his true identity is exposed, travels to Toledo and then decides to seek fortune at court in Madrid.

XII

Narrator and protagonist; takes lodgings, befriends Captain Chinchilla, and offers to write memorials for him.

XIII

Narrator and protagonist; reunites with Fabricio at court and recounts his own exploits.

XIV

Accepts a secretarial position with Count Galiano through Fabricio's recommendation.

The employment of Gil Blas in Don Galiano's household

Appointed principal manager and surveyor-general of the count's household; uncovers and reforms corruption; promoted to steward.

XVI

Falls ill from nursing the count's monkey; abandoned by the count; discovers his money stolen upon recovery.

Book VIII

Protagonist, serving the Archbishop and later the Duke of Lerma.

I

Narrates his recovery from illness, his visit to Joseph Navarro, and his appointment as deputy to Don Diego de Monteser.

II

Appointed as secretary to the Duke of Lerma; writes a polished version of a malicious memorial; feels rising ambition.

III

Gil Blas adopts a grand lifestyle as the duke's secretary, then becomes disillusioned by the unpaid salaries of his colleagues and the need for servile flattery to gain favor.

Gil Blas becomes a favorite with the Duke of Lerma, and the confidant of an important secret.

Becomes a favorite and confidant of the Duke of Lerma, entrusted with a secret political scheme.

V

Rising favorite at court, entrusted with the minister's portfolio, reads before the king, and becomes go-between for the Duke of Lerma and Count de Lemos; lives in secret poverty.

VI

Narrates his attempt to subtly complain about his poverty to the Duke of Lerma through a fable, fears punishment, but is ultimately rewarded.

Chapter VII

Receives his payment, indulges in vanity by buying fine clothes and hiring a servant, and begins using his influence at court to solicit bribes.

VIII

Acts as intermediary between Don Roger and the Duke of Lerma, securing a pardon and receiving a hundred pistoles.

Gil Blas makes a large fortune in a short time, and behaves like other wealthy upstarts.

Acts as a corrupt broker, amasses 30,000 ducats, sets up a lavish household, and invites Fabricio to supper.

The Morals of Gil Blas Become Courtly

Acts as a courtly agent, betraying Navarro and procuring a mistress for the Prince of Spain.

The Prince of Spain's Secret Visit

Acts as intermediary, delivering money and coordinating the prince's visit to Catalina.

XII

Discovers Catalina's true identity and confesses to the Duke of Lerma.

XIII

Continues to personate a great man, demanding memorials from suitors; becomes prideful and neglects his family; quarrels with Fabricio and loses his friendship.

Book IX

Protagonist; serves the Archbishop, then the Duke of Lerma, and begins to navigate court politics.

Chapter I

Agrees to the marriage scheme after hearing of the dowry, entertains the goldsmith, and presents him to the Duke of Lerma.

II

Secures the government of Valencia for Don Alphonso de Leyva out of vanity, interacts with Calderona, and reflects on the lesson from the Count de Pedrosa.

Preparations for the marriage of Gil Blas—A spoke in the wheel of hymen

The protagonist, preparing for his marriage to Gabriela, is arrested on the eve of the wedding and taken to Segovia.

IV

Imprisoned in the tower of Segovia, initially despairing and later comforted by the warden.

Chapter V

Reflects on his downfall and loss of wealth, is awakened by singing, and meets Don Gastón.

Chapter VI

Narrator and consoler of Don Gastón, offering him hope after his story.

Chapter VII

Imprisoned in the tower of Segovia, he receives Scipio and learns of his ruined fortunes and the political plot against him.

VIII

Imprisoned in Segovia, falls ill with fever, makes a deathbed will, then recovers and resolves to abandon court life.

IX

Released from prison on condition of leaving court and Castiles; expresses desire for philosophical retirement.

Their doings at Madrid—The rencounter of Gil Blas in the street, and its consequences.

Returns to Madrid, retrieves his money, meets Baron Steinbach, reunites with Don Alphonso, and accepts the gift of an estate near Lirias.

Book X

Protagonist navigating court intrigues and personal challenges.

I

Narrator and protagonist; resolves to leave court life and return to his parents in Oviedo, then to Valencia; visits Valladolid and reflects on his past as a physician under Doctor Sangrado.

II

Returns to Oviedo, reconciles with his mother, provides for her, and decides to leave after public hostility.

III

Arrives at his new estate Lirias, takes possession, enjoys the hospitality, but decides to reduce the household.

Chapter IV

Visits Valencia to thank the lords of Leyva, negotiates to reduce the household staff, and explores the city.

V

Narrator and observer; attends the play with the governor and later participates in the supper debate.

VI

Narrator who recognizes Don Raphael in the street and visits the Carthusian monastery to confirm his identity.

VII

Returns to Lirias, reforms household, discovers library, enjoys Valencia society.

The loves of Gil Blas and the fair Antonia

Falls in love with Antonia at first sight and resolves to marry her honorably, rejecting Scipio's suggestion of seduction.

Nuptials of Gil Blas with the fair Antonia

The groom, who communicates his marriage plans to the Leyva lords and participates in the wedding festivities.

Chapter X

The listener to Scipio's tale, not directly active in this chapter.

Book XI

Protagonist navigating court life under Olivarez.

I

Grieves the death of his wife Antonia and his son; reluctantly agrees to travel to Madrid after encouragement from friends.

II

Arrives in Madrid, seeks the king's notice, and is recommended to the Count of Olivarez but receives a hostile reception.

III

Narrator and protagonist; meets Navarro, reconciles, and gains favor with the Count of Olivarez.

Gil Blas Ingratiates Himself with the Count of Olivarez

Narrates his past to the Count of Olivarez, softening details to please him and condemning Don Rodrigo de Calderona.

Chapter V: The Private Conversation of Gil Blas with Navarro, and His First Employment in the Service of the Count d'Olivarez

Receives advice from Navarro, writes a state paper for the Count of Olivarez, and moves into the minister's residence.

Chapter VI

Receives a present of three hundred pistoles from the Count of Olivarez, composes a state paper on economy, and sends Scipio on commissions to Valencia and Asturias.

VII

Visits a hospital, finds Fabricio, offers him support and a new livelihood.

VIII

Advances in the Duke's affections by feigning zeal and becomes a confidant; learns of his mother's and uncle's deaths.

IX

Narrates the chapter; sympathizes with the duke's grief and is reminded of his own loss of Antonia.

Gil Blas meets with the poet Núñez by accident, and learns that he has written a tragedy, which is on the point of being brought out at the theatre royal—The ill fortune of the piece, and the good fortune of its author.

Meets Núñez by chance, inquires about his fortunes, and later sends Scipio to report on the play's reception.

XI

Gil Blas arranges for Scipio to be employed in the West Indies trade and provides him with a thousand crowns for his venture.

XII

Distressed by Don Alphonso's disgrace, he successfully petitions the prime minister to restore and promote his friend.

XIII

Narrator and protagonist; meets old friends at court and uses his credit with the minister to help Don Andrew.

XIV

Visits Fabricio Núñez out of curiosity, participates in the literary discussion, and later converses with Núñez about his separation from his patron.

Book XII

Continues to serve the Count of Olivarez, becoming more deeply involved in court intrigues and moral compromises.

I

Sent by the minister to Toledo to evaluate the actress Lucretia; attends the Auto da Fé and the theatre; reunites with Laura.

Santillane makes his report to the minister, who commissions him to send for Lucretia—The first appearance of that actress before the court.

Reports to the Duke of Lerma on his mission to Toledo, arranges the order for Lucretia and Estella's admission, and attends their first performance.

III

Acts as the king's agent to Lucretia, delivering jewels and messages; reports to the minister.

Santillane in a new office

Resolves to resign his office as a procurer due to guilt over Lucretia's fate, and is appointed tutor to the minister's illegitimate son.

V

Gil Blas is tasked by the Duke of Lerma to set up a house for Don Henry and serve as his tutor, with unlimited authority over the pupil.

Chapter VI

Narrator and tutor to Don Henry; reluctantly accepts a patent of nobility from the Count of Olivarez.

VII

Meets Fabricio by chance and offers friendship and financial help.

VIII

Narrator and observer of the court intrigue, reflecting on his own simplicity and the brewing tempest against the minister.

IX

Narrator and companion to the minister during his retirement.

A difficult, but successful weaning from the world

Narrator and observer of the minister's retirement; plays games with him and accompanies him on walks.

XI

Narrator and devoted servant who tries to uncover the cause of his master's melancholy and mourns his death.

XII

Falls ill after the minister's death, considers a religious vocation, but is persuaded by Scipio to retire to Lirias; collects his legacy and departs Madrid.

XIII

Returns to Lirias, contemplates his past love for Antonia, and becomes infatuated with Dorothea.

XIV

Proposes to Dorothea and arranges the double marriage; reflects on his age and courtship.

Endnotes

Referenced as the protagonist whose experiences and reflections are discussed in the translator's notes.