The Narrator – The Husband
Under the Jaguar Sun is told in the first person in the voice of Olivia’s husband. He views his wife’s actions throughout the story as they travel throughout Mexico. Their relationship is strained and this journey is to help heal the rift that has happened. He feels that his wife does not desire him like she used to and their appreciation of the spices and cuisine of the Mexican culture helps bring back the spice to their relationship.
Olivia
Olivia is the narrator’s wife. She is a sensual woman who views life in a sensual way. No matter what she is doing there is a sexual aspect to her thoughts. The Mexican cuisine with its mixture of spices and sweetness makes a meal a carnal experience for her. Her relationship with her husband is lacking and she finds desire in other actions. She seems obsessed with the sacrificial victims and if the priests ever ate the bodies and how they would prepare such a feast.
Salustiano Velazco
Salutiano Velazco is a man that the couple meets when they arrive in Mexico. He is a partial guide to their adventure and helps them to understand the Mexican culture and cuisine. He tells Olivia that the Priests would sometimes eat the sacrificial bodies. There would be a ceremony to honor the brave victims. He does not like discussing this topic.
Alonso
Alonso is the couple’s guide to Monte Alban. He is there to give them the history of the ancient temple. Olivia is interested in what happened to the sacrificial victim’s bodies. She suggests that the people ate the bodies. Alonso will not comment on this only saying that the sacrifices were for the gods and the vultures carried the offerings to Heaven.
