GradeSaver: Don Quixote Book II - Study Guide

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Character List

Don Quixote: Don Quixote is the failing hero of this story. His original name is Alonso Quixana, or perhaps Quixada. Quixote is an elderly gentleman who has decided to become a knight-errant, having read too many books of chivalry. In Book II, Quixote continues the adventures that he began in Book I, and he is ultimately unsuccessful. Quixote never meets his beloved lady, Dulcinea, and his antics make him a target for the malicious ruses and practical jokes of others.

Sancho Panza: Sancho is Quixote's trusted servant and squire. In Book II, Sancho's main task is to serve as Quixote's protector. Sancho briefly rules as Governor of the town of Barataria, and he displays common sense, discernment, and mercy in his rulings. At the end of the novel, Sancho returns home to his wife, Teresa, and his daughter, Sanchica.

Sampson Carrasco: Sampson is a student who lives in Quixote's town, and has read The Ingenious Gentleman. Sampson takes it upon himself to convince Quixote to come home. Sampson dresses up as the Knight of the Looking-Glasses and unsuccessfully tries to defeat Quixote in a joust. Near the end of the novel, Sampson dresses up as the Knight of the White Moon. When he defeats Quixote in combat, he orders Quixote to return home.

Dulcinea: The "peerless" Dulcinea is the object of Don Quixote's affection. She does not actually exist, and perhaps, is an imagination based upon a fleeting glance of a peasant woman. The disenchantment of Dulcinea (an enchanter transformed her into an ugly woman) becomes a major part of the deception and games of the duke and duchess.

The Duke and Duchess: these two characters orchestrate a series of games that deceive and injure Don Quixote. The duke and duchess are malicious and they torture Quixote as an entertaining diversion. They use their economic and political power to briefly create a world that looks much like Quixote's own deluded reality, convincing him that truly he is a knight-errant.

Cid Hamet Ben Engeli: Cervantes' alter ego, this is the Arab historian who is the "author" of the story that Cervantes recounts for us.

Quixote's niece and housekeeper: these characters first appeared in Book I. In Book II, both women are still focused on keeping Don Quixote inside the house. They are worried for him when he leaves on his third sally, and when he is nearing death, they mourn.

The priest and barber: friends of Quixote. In Book I, they participate in the schemes to bring Quixote home. In Book II, the priest and barber remain in La Mancha, waiting for Quixote's return.

Teresa Panza: Sancho Panza's wife. Teresa remains prudent and cautious, especially when she learns that her husband has been made a Governor.

Sanchica Panza: Sancho's daughter. She is excited when she learns that she has become the daughter of a governor.

Don Diego de Miranda & family: This family hosts Quixote and Panza in Chapter XVIII. They are intrigued by Quixote's conversation and perceive him to be mad. Still, they avoid offending the knight and they treat him with respect.

Quiteria the Fair: a beautiful woman who is in love with Basilius, though she is supposed to marry Camacho the Rich. In the end, she is able to marry Basilius.

Camacho the Rich: a wealthy man who is engaged to marry Quiteria the Fair. At the wedding, Camacho is deceived and loses his bride.

Basilius (Basilio): Basilius is a handsome young man who loves Quiteria. At the wedding of Quiteria and Camacho, Basilius pretends to be mortally wounded and, with a clever strategy, he ends up marrying Quiteria.

Master Peter: a guest at an inn. An entertainer, Master Peter has a prophetic "ape with no tail." He also puts on a puppet show.

Doña Rodriguez de Grijalva: a lady-in-waiting for the Duchess. She is heavily involved in the Duchess' deceptive games and she plays several roles including Countess Trifaldi.

Anna Felix: the daughter of Ricote, the Morisco shopkeeper.

Ricote the Morisco shopkeeper: a former neighbor of Sancho Panza. He was expelled from Spain with all of the Muslims. At the end of the novel, Ricote is reunited with his daughter and has hopes of living comfortably in Spain

Roque Guinart: a noble thief, he escorts Don Quixote and Sancho Panza to Barcelona.

Don Alvaro Tarfe: a character from Avellaneda's work. Don Alvaro meets the real Don Quixote and Sancho and then gives a notarized statement attesting to the fact the knight and squire that he had known were mere counterfeits.

ClassicNote on Don Quixote Book II

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