Laura

Gil Blas

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

Gil Blas

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

Gil Blas

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

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

A theatrical waiting-woman who poses as a highborn lady; she meets Gil Blas in disguise and later reveals her true identity at Arsenia's, accepting him as an admirer.

IX

Laura proposes Gil Blas as a steward for her mistress Arsenia and convinces him that actresses rank with nobility.

Much such another as the foregoing

Accompanies Gil Blas to the theatre, gossips scandalously about the actors and actresses, and later explains the mercenary nature of the noblemen's attentions.

XI

Provides a satirical portrait of Señor Carlos Alonso de la Ventoleria, describing his vanity and affectation.

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

Gil Blas's companion; she engages in deceitful relationships and is described as young, pretty, and loose.

Chapter I

An actress with whom Gil Blas had a relationship; he leaves her despite still loving her.

Gil Blas goes to the play at Grenada

Now an actress named Estella in Grenada, she pretends Gil Blas is her brother to the Marquis de Marialva.

VII

Narrates her own story of returning to Spain, becoming an actress, and her romantic entanglements.

VIII

Gil Blas's sister, an actress in Grenada, who introduces him to the theatre company and arranges his introduction 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.

Pretends to be Gil Blas's sister; receives the Marquis's portrait and jewels, and proposes marriage to Gil Blas after accumulating wealth.

A Thunderbolt to Gil Blas

Referred to as Estella; her true identity as a former servant is revealed, causing Gil Blas to abandon her.

I

Now known as Estella, an actress in Toledo and aunt (actually mother) of Lucretia; reunites with Gil Blas and explains her past.

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

Mentioned in Gil Blas's report as part of Lucretia's backstory, though not present in the chapter's action.

III

Lucretia's aunt and mentor; initially reluctant but later tries to persuade Lucretia; eventually retires to a convent in penance.