Augustine Montoria

Mariquilla Candiola

Augustine is deeply in love with Mariquilla, but their relationship is complicated by family feuds and her father's opposition.

Father Luengo

Augustine and Father Luengo are antagonists, clashing over Mariquilla and differing moral and political views during the siege.

Don José de Montoria

Augustine is the son of Don José, and their relationship is strained by Augustine's rebellious love for Mariquilla and his independent ideals.

Candiola

Augustine and Candiola are enemies, as Candiola despises Augustine for courting his daughter and for the Montoria family's wealth and status.

Gabriel

Gabriel is Augustine's loyal friend and confidant, helping him navigate the dangers of the siege and his romantic pursuits.

Don Roque

Don Roque is a fellow defender of Saragossa and a trusted ally of Augustine, sharing his commitment to the cause.

Manuela Sancho

Manuela Sancho is a brave and resourceful woman who aids Augustine and the resistance, and they share mutual respect.

Basilio Boggiero

Basilio Boggiero is a priest and patriot who works alongside Augustine in the defense of the city, sharing a bond of duty.

Porra

Porra is a loyal follower and aide to Augustine, assisting him in various tasks during the conflict.

Mariquilla Candiola

Augustine is deeply in love with Mariquilla, but their relationship is complicated by family feuds and her father's opposition.

Father Luengo

Augustine and Father Luengo are antagonists, clashing over Mariquilla and differing moral and political views during the siege.

Mariquilla Candiola

Augustine is deeply in love with Mariquilla, but their relationship is complicated by family feuds and her father's opposition.

Saragossa

Central figure in the defense, displaying both heroism and personal despair.

IV

Don José's younger son, destined for the Church but lacking vocation; becomes Gabriel's inseparable friend and fellow soldier in the battalion of Las Peñas de San Pedro.

V

Confides in Gabriel about his love for Mariquilla and gives instructions for a message if he dies.

VI

Present at the redoubt of Los Mártires, identifies the attacking forces and comments on the battle.

VII

Augustine is overwhelmed by his love for Mariquilla, which he sees as doomed due to family feuds and his parents' plans for him to become a bishop. He expresses his despair and devotion to the Virgin.

VIII

Participates in the sortie on the thirty-first, survives unharmed, and receives a minor bite wound from a French soldier.

IX

Present at the redoubt, he asks Manuela if she is not frightened by the spectacle.

The Eleventh Day: The Breach

Narrator and defender at the redoubt; witnesses the panic and rally.

XI

Narrator and participant in the defense, observing the fall of San José and the subsequent rebuilding efforts.

XII

Present during the confrontation but disappears at the climax. His mother discusses his bravery in battle and her hopes for his future as a priest.

XIII

Found at the powder mill, working feverishly and expressing his desperation and desire for a dramatic death.

XIV

Gloomy and taciturn, he longs to visit Mariquilla despite the bombardment, and reluctantly participates in burying the dead.

XV

Meets Mariquilla secretly, declares his love, and comforts her after the mob's attack on her father.

XVI

Shares a tender moment with Mariquilla, expressing his love and superstitions. He is torn between his duty to fight and his desire to protect her.

XVII

Augustine is missing during the collapse, but later found alive, expressing indifference to his fate.

XVIII

Shows concern for Mariquilla and provides her shelter, while also enduring the hardships of the siege.

XIX

The narrator, who attempts to help Candiola and offers him refuge. He is the one who finds Candiola and tries to lead him away from the ruins.

XXI

Mentioned as having been promoted to lieutenant for his gallantry; later found wounded in the arm after the fighting.

XXII

Narrator and active participant in the defense of the San Augustine convent, fighting in the church and later retreating.

XXIV

Mentioned by Candiola when Araceli asks about his daughter and Augustine.

XXV

Grieves for his brother Manuel but controls his grief to support his father. Is sent back to the front lines by his father.

XXVI

Now a captain, he keeps his bread ration to give to Mariquilla.

XXVII

Shows deep affection for Mariquilla, expresses hope for a peaceful future, and comforts her as she sleeps.

XXVIII

Remains in the San Francisco convent in the face of the enemy; his fate is uncertain after the explosion.

XXIX

Tormented by the order to execute Candiola, he is in a state of deep despair and seeks death, showing a profound internal conflict between duty and his feelings for Mariquilla.

XXXI

Grief-stricken, buries Mariquilla and declares his despair, planning to become a priest.