# Baldassarre Calvo — Romola character guide > Baldassarre Calvo in Romola by George Eliot. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Baldassarre, Presently Baldassarre **First appearance:** 0003-i-the-shipwrecked-stranger ## Snapshot Tito's adoptive father, a scholar broken by slavery and betrayal, who returns to Florence with memory and vengeance slowly rekindling. ## Who they are Once a learned man who raised Tito as a son, Baldassarre survives captivity and shipwreck only to find himself unrecognized by the boy he saved. His mind flickers between blankness and a terrible clarity, and in those lucid moments he fixes on the one purpose that remains: to make Tito answer for what he did. His presence haunts the middle of the book as a living reproach, the past that Tito's charm cannot talk away. ## In the story ### [Romola](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/romola) An older figure whose past connection to Tito introduces themes of revenge and justice. ### [A Man's Ransom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/ix-a-man-s-ransom) Tito's adoptive father, whose possible enslavement weighs heavily on Tito's conscience. ### [XI: Tito's Dilemma](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xi-tito-s-dilemma) Baldassarre is the absent benefactor whose fate Tito is trying to ignore. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/book-ii) Baldassarre has arrived in Florence and recognizes Tito in the Duomo, but Tito denies knowing him. He is a figure from Tito's past, representing the betrayal that Tito is trying to escape. ### [The Prisoners](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xxii-the-prisoners) Baldassarre is a prisoner of the French, refusing to beg despite his harsh treatment. He confronts Tito with a fierce gaze before disappearing into the church. ### [XXIII: Afterthoughts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xxiii-afterthoughts) Baldassarre is present in Florence as a prisoner, appearing wild and possibly mad, but Tito knows his passionate nature will seek revenge. ### [Inside the Duomo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xxiv-inside-the-duomo) Enters the Duomo as an escaped prisoner, bound with a rope. He is consumed by hatred for Tito and finds Savonarola's threats of divine vengeance deeply resonant. ### [XXV: Outside the Duomo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xxv-outside-the-duomo) Freed from his bonds by Piero di Cosimo, he remains suspicious and refuses further aid, driven by his quest for revenge. ### [XXVI: The Garment of Fear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xxvi-the-garment-of-fear) Though not present, Baldassarre's memory haunts Tito, who winces at the thought of deliberately inflicting suffering on his father. ### [XXIX: A Moment of Triumph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xxix-a-moment-of-triumph) Mentioned by Piero as the 'old fellow' who vanished after the French arrived. He is later seen in the crowd, a clean-shaven man whose gaze meets Tito's, suggesting a moment of recognition. ### [XXX: The Avenger's Secret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xxx-the-avenger-s-secret) Baldassarre is consumed by vengeance, yet haunted by his failing memory and the fear of being unrecognized. He reflects on his past and his discovery of Tito's betrayal. ### [XXXIII: Baldassarre Makes an Acquaintance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xxxiii-baldassarre-makes-an-acquaintance) Finds shelter in an outhouse on the hill of San Giorgio, near Tito's dwelling. He is weary and focused on his quest, but shows a moment of mildness with Tessa. ### [No Place for Repentance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xxxiv-no-place-for-repentance) Imprisoned and consumed by rage, he sharpens his poniard, dreaming of plunging it into Tito's heart. ### [XXXVIII: The Black Marks Become Magical](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xxxviii-the-black-marks-become-magical) His memory has returned, and he is now wholly consumed by his desire for vengeance against Tito. He carefully stalks Tito, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. ### [XXXIX: A Supper in the Rucellai Gardens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xxxix-a-supper-in-the-rucellai-gardens) Interrupts the supper to accuse Tito of betrayal, but is rendered speechless by rage and shock, failing to provide proof. ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/book-iii) Baldassarre confronts Tito, demanding recognition, but is denied and taken away. He is later found and cared for by Romola, who learns of Tito's betrayal through him. ### [XLII: Romola in Her Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xlii-romola-in-her-place) Found collapsed on the street, possibly alive, and is cared for by Romola and a stranger. ### [XLIII: The Unseen Madonna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xliii-the-unseen-madonna) Romola intends to search for Baldassarre after the procession, feeling a near claim upon him. His fate remains a concern for her. ### [XLIV: The Visible Madonna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xliv-the-visible-madonna) Shows a marked change, appearing fierce and suspicious. He recognizes Romola as Tito's wife and, after refusing her shelter, takes her money and heads to a weapon shop. ### [XLVIII: Countercheck](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/xlviii-countercheck) Referenced by Romola as the old man she saw in the Duomo and later revived. Tito falsely claims he is dead, but Romola knows he is alive. ### [L: Tessa Abroad and at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/l-tessa-abroad-and-at-home) Baldassarre observes Tessa and Romola together, realizing that Romola is Tito's wife. He sees her as a potential ally in his quest for vengeance against Tito. ### [A Prophetess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/lii-a-prophetess) Baldassarre appears at the end of the chapter, confronting Romola in the church, likely seeking information about Tito. ### [On San Miniato](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/liii-on-san-miniato) Baldassarre reveals his identity as Tito's adoptive father and seeks Romola's help in exacting revenge. He is consumed by his desire for vengeance. ### [The Evening and the Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/liv-the-evening-and-the-morning) Romola's anxiety about losing sight of him persists. ### [LV: Waiting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/lv-waiting) Does not appear in the chapter, but his absence is a central source of Romola's anxiety and speculation; she fears he may be dead or have forgotten her. ### [LXVII: Waiting by the River](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/chapters/lxvii-waiting-by-the-river) Waiting by the river, Baldassarre sees Tito in the water and, upon his landing, seizes him and kills him. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/characters/baldassarre - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romola_se/characters