Pablo de Segovia

Francisco de Quevedo

Francisco de Quevedo is both the author and a character who interacts with Pablo as a companion and observer of his picaresque adventures.

Francisco de Quevedo

Francisco de Quevedo is both the author and a character who interacts with Pablo as a companion and observer of his picaresque adventures.

Quevedo and His Works

The protagonist of the picaresque novel, described as a complete rogue, thief, and sharper who never pretends to be honest or seeks sympathy.

Pablo de Segovia, the Spanish Sharper

Protagonist introduced with his family background and early life.

Book I

The protagonist and narrator of the story, recounting his birth, family, and early adventures.

I

Narrator and protagonist; born in Segovia, decides to go to school rather than follow his parents' criminal trades.

II

Narrator and protagonist; attends school, befriends Don Diego, and endures public humiliation.

III

Narrator and servant to Don Diego; suffers extreme hunger and plans to feign illness.

Chapter IV

Narrates the events at the inn, feeling puffed up with vanity when mistaken for a gentleman's servant, and later curses the tricksters.

V

Endures severe hazing and physical abuse from fellow students and the landlord, but resolves to adapt and survive.

VI

Narrates his early knavish pranks in Alcalá, including killing pigs, stealing from the household, and tricking the housekeeper.

VII

Receives news of his father's death and mother's imprisonment; decides to leave Don Diego and travel to Segovia.

My journey from Alcalá to Segovia, and what happened by the way till I came to Rejas, where I lay that night.

Narrator and protagonist, departing Alcalá after a life of trickery, amused by the madmen he encounters on the road.

IX

Travels to Madrid, reflects on his parents' shame and his own pursuit of virtue, and encounters a mad poet.

The Proclamation Against Poets and the Journey to Cerecedilla

Narrates the chapter; reads the proclamation and interacts with the poet, soldier, and hermit.

Chapter XI

Narrator and protagonist; disgusted by his uncle's company, recovers his inheritance, and secretly leaves for Madrid.

Of my flight from Segovia, with what happened to me by the way to Madrid

Flees Segovia, hires a donkey, meets Don Toribio on the road, and is eager to learn the tricks of survival at Court.

XIII

Pablo listens to the gentleman's tale, is entertained and instructed, and decides to adopt the tricks described, offering his friendship and money.

Book II

Protagonist; continues his journey and encounters new characters.

I

Arrives in Madrid and is introduced to the rogues' way of life, observing their tricks and deceptions.

II

Narrator and protagonist; now a novice in the beggars' guild, learning their tricks and struggling with hunger.

III

The narrator, who learns the tricks of the sharping gang and is eventually arrested along with them.

IV

Narrator and protagonist; uses bribery and a fabricated family connection to improve his prison conditions and secure bail.

How I took a lodging, and the misfortune that befell me therein

Narrates his lodging adventure, uses the alias Don Ramiro de Guzman, and schemes to appear wealthy to win the affections of his landlady's daughter.

VI

Narrates his escape from the notary, his scheme to avoid paying debts, and his transformation into a gentleman to pursue a wealthy marriage.

Chapter VII

Narrates his misfortunes after being beaten and robbed, struggling to maintain his disguise and marriage plans.

VIII

Pablo recovers from his illness, takes up begging in Madrid, learns the trade from Valcazar, and decides to leave for Toledo.

IX

Narrator and protagonist; joins a strolling player company, becomes a poet and actor, then a gallant of nuns.

Chapter X: Of what happened to me at Seville, till I took ship for the Indies

Narrator and protagonist; arrives in Seville, joins a gang of ruffians, learns their cant, and decides to sail to the Indies with La Grajales.