# Spanish Johnny — The Song of the Lark character guide

> Spanish Johnny in The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Johnny, Spanish

**First appearance:** 0005-iii

## Who they are

A Mexican musician in Moonstone who recognizes Thea's talent early on.

## Relationships

### [Thea Kronborg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/characters/thea_kronborg)

_friendship_

Spanish Johnny is a Mexican laborer and musician who shares a deep, soulful connection with Thea through their mutual love of music.

### [Thea Kronborg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/characters/thea_kronborg)

_friendship_

Spanish Johnny is a Mexican laborer and musician who shares a deep, soulful connection with Thea through their mutual love of music.

### [Thea Kronborg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/characters/thea_kronborg)

_friendship_

Spanish Johnny is a Mexican laborer and musician who shares a deep, soulful connection with Thea through their mutual love of music.

## In the story

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/chapters/iv)

Mentioned as a wanderer who brought Wunsch to town; music from Mexican Town is heard.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/chapters/vi)

Returned home ill after a drinking and wandering episode; described as a talented musician with a pattern of self-destructive behavior.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/chapters/vii)

Accompanies the party with his mandolin and translates Mrs. Tellamantez's story about house snakes.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/chapters/ix)

Mentioned in a comparison: the saloon-keepers felt a sense of responsibility toward Spanish Johnny similar to Thea's sense of obligation to Tillie.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/chapters/x)

Spanish Johnny joins Wunsch and Fritz for a riotous Christmas celebration.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/chapters/xiii)

Stays to watch over Wunsch but flees when Wunsch becomes violent and threatens him with a chair.

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

Recalled in the context of hidden selves emerging through whiskey.

### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/chapters/x)

Plays mandolin at the dance, sings with Thea, and later writes down the serenade for her.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/chapters/vii)

Mentioned in conversation; Fred is interested in the Mexican songs Johnny used to sing.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/chapters/iv)

Mentioned as an old patient of Dr. Archie and an admirer of Thea from her Moonstone days; Dr. Archie tells a story about him.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/chapters/xi)

Seen outside the stage entrance, waiting for Thea, but she does not notice him; his smile represents a profound answer to her doubts.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/characters/spanish_johnny
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/characters