# Colonel Sotillo — Nostromo character guide

> Colonel Sotillo in Nostromo by Joseph Conrad.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Sotillo, the disconcerted Sotillo

**First appearance:** 0003-nostromo

## Snapshot

A revolutionary colonel whose theatrical vanity and greed make him dangerous, he rules his corner of Sulaco by terror and dreams of the silver he cannot find.

## Who they are

Sotillo commands a barracks in the port during the chaos of the Monterist revolt, posing as a masterful man while his authority rests on bayonets and bluster. His hunger for the San Tomé silver and his fear of being outmaneuvered drive him to interrogate and torment the helpless Hirsch, revealing a cruelty that is as petty as it is theatrical. He matters because his piratical ambition turns the port into a trap for everyone trying to move treasure or truth through it.

## In the story

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/viii)

Mentioned as commanding the transport steamer searching for the silver.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/ii)

Interrogates Mitchell about the silver; shows both rage and strategic restraint.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/iii)

Despises Dr. Monygham as a fool, having been deceived by the doctor's insight; his moral stupidity leads him to plan cheating the doctor of any reward.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/viii)

Mentioned as believing the lighter sank and that Nostromo and Decoud drowned; his ignorance of Nostromo's survival is noted.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/characters/sotillo
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/characters