# Don José de Montoria — Saragossa character guide > Don José de Montoria in Saragossa by Benito Pérez Galdós. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Don José Montoria, Don José, Señor de Montoria, the great Montoria **First appearance:** 0001-saragossa ## Snapshot A proud, booming patrician of Saragossa who pulls cannon into place by day and scorns his son's scratches, embodying the city's stubborn defiance. ## Who they are Don José de Montoria is one of the influential men whose courage and contempt for the French rouse the spirits of everyone who sees them. He is a man of rough practical remedies — rubbing, spirits, no broth — and of unbending expectations for his son Augustine, whom he chides for coming through battle unmarked. His pride and his ancient grudge against Candiola set the terms of the lovers' impossible position. ## Relationships ### [Augustine Montoria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/characters/augustine_montoria) _family_ Augustine is the son of Don José, and their relationship is strained by Augustine's rebellious love for Mariquilla and his independent ideals. ### [Mariquilla Candiola](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/characters/mariquilla_candiola) _rivalry_ Don José despises Mariquilla as the daughter of his enemy Candiola, and he actively opposes any connection between her and his son. ### [Father Luengo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/characters/father_luengo) _professional_ Don José and Father Luengo are allies in the political and religious establishment, working together to maintain order and oppose the Candiolas. ### [Augustine Montoria](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/characters/augustine_montoria) _family_ Augustine is the son of Don José, and their relationship is strained by Augustine's rebellious love for Mariquilla and his independent ideals. ### [Mariquilla Candiola](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/characters/mariquilla_candiola) _rivalry_ Don José despises Mariquilla as the daughter of his enemy Candiola, and he actively opposes any connection between her and his son. ### [Father Luengo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/characters/father_luengo) _professional_ Don José and Father Luengo are allies in the political and religious establishment, working together to maintain order and oppose the Candiolas. ## In the story ### [Saragossa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/saragossa) A prominent citizen whose family is deeply affected by the conflict. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/i) Mentioned by Don Roque as a wealthy citizen of Saragossa and an old schoolmate from Mequinenza. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/ii) The person the group is seeking; his house is the destination. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/iii) Found at his torre cutting down olive trees for defense; shows brusque hospitality, feeds the visitors, and later shows them the fortifications. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/iv) A wealthy, patriotic, and generous man of about sixty; helps Gabriel enlist and offers him money; described with a rough but kind character. ### [The Eleventh Day: The Breach](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/x) Visits the redoubt, embraces his son, and declares 'Today is the day to conquer or to die.' ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/xii) Confronts Candiola over flour, physically assaults him, and seizes the goods. Shows his patriotic fervor and willingness to use force. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/xiv) Angrily confronts the young men, pointing to the gallows and urging them to work, showing his harsh and patriotic zeal. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/xvi) Encountered on the way to the lines, he mocks Candiola and forces Augustine to proceed to the defense, showing his disdain for Candiola's lack of patriotism. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/xviii) Criticizes the younger men's performance and plans the next day's defense, showing relentless determination. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/xx) Present during the fight; acknowledged the bravery of the Huesca volunteers and urged defense of nearby houses. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/xxv) Devastated by the death of his eldest son, Manuel, and the impending death of his grandson. Shows immense fortitude, prioritizing duty over personal grief. Pays Candiola's extortionate price for a chicken. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/xxvi) Confronts Candiola, defends his son's honor, and speaks of his willingness to sacrifice Augustine for the national cause. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/xxviii) Joins the defense, is wounded in the leg, and is cared for by Mariquilla. He is deeply distressed about his son's fate after the explosion. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/xxix) Appears at the Plazuela de San Felipe, acknowledging Mariquilla's care for him and the Christian principle of returning good for evil, while also recognizing the difficulty of pardoning Candiola. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/chapters/xxxi) Appears aged and sorrowful, questions Augustine's actions, and is deeply affected by his sons' fates. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/characters/don_jose_de_montoria - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/saragossa_se/characters