Nostromo · Character

Don Jose Avellanos

An elderly statesman and historian of Costaguana, ruined in fortune but not in passion, he has spent a lifetime pleading for his country's peace and honour.

supporting

Also known as Jose Avellanos, Avellanos, the late Don Jose Avellanos

First appearance: nostromo

As a supporting figure in Nostromo, Don Jose Avellanos is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Principal authority for Costaguana's history, author of the unpublished 'History of Fifty Years of Misrule.'

In the storyAuthor's NoteOpen this moment free

Don Jose is the venerated patriarch of Sulaco's 'honest men,' author of Fifty Years of Misrule, whose name and counsel still command respect among the province's leading families. Crippled by old age and dignified poverty, he depends on the devotion of his daughter Antonia and pours his remaining hope into the Ribiera presidency and the promise of regeneration. He matters because his open letters and quiet influence set the political stage of the early novel, and his disillusionment will measure how far the new order falls short of the ideals he gave his life to.

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Character Web

28 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Sulaco elite and revolutionaries
Servants, workers, and minor figures

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

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In the story

Don Jose Avellanos appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Author's Note
Principal authority for Costaguana's history, author of the unpublished 'History of Fifty Years of Misrule.'
V
Mentioned as part of the old Spanish families, though not directly present in the excerpts.
VII
Praises Charles Gould's tact and courage; corresponds with him via secret muleteer Bonifacio.
VIII
Present at the lunch on the Juno and in the carriage with the Goulds; remains silent after the event, reflecting on the political situation.
I
A former minister and historian, broken by Guzman Bento's tyranny, who now passionately works for the regeneration of Costaguana through the Ribierist movement.
II
The 'nestor-inspirer' of the regeneration party, chairman of the patriotic committee, and a key figure in organizing the defense of Sulaco. He is shown as frail but passionate, and he receives the bandit Hernandez's petition.
III
Presses Decoud to direct the newspaper 'Porvenir'; embraces him emotionally, seeing his return as a public act of faith in the endangered cause.
Chapter IV
Strained by hope and fear; mechanically pronounces a farewell to Barrios; defends Decoud's jesting about the war.
V
Present in the sala, rocking in his chair; his beliefs are referenced in the political debate.
III
Lies stretched out, hardly breathing, vanquished in a lifelong struggle with the powers of moral darkness.

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