Alatriste: Courage, Love, and Heroism in 17th-Century Spain

Courage and Security in *Alatriste*

Courage and security are exemplified when Alatriste and Iñigo are in the stalls watching Lope's play. Alatriste subtly places his hand on Iñigo's back, a gesture of protection against the men watching them. This demonstrates both courage and a sense of responsibility.

Love in *Alatriste*

Iñigo experiences intense love for Angélica de Alquézar. He declares her the love of his life and the most beautiful person in the world, showcasing the passionate nature of young love.

Heroism in *Alatriste*

Buckingham's actions, such as showing his face and helping his savior, exemplify heroism and a willingness to put oneself at risk for others.

Characters

Diego Alatriste y Tenorio

Diego Alatriste is an honest and pious man, but also brave. He is skinny, with a large mustache that covers his upper lip. His brown hair is short and combed back. His forehead is large and sunburnt. His eyes are clear and cold, and a small scar runs below his left eyebrow. He has many scars throughout his body. He is also somewhat fond of reading and theater.

Iñigo Balboa

Iñigo lives as a page or servant of Alatriste. He falls in love with a girl his age. He is a curious and hustling thirteen-year-old boy.

The Masked Men

The masked men were Gaspar de Guzmán and Luis de Alquézar.

Gaspar de Guzmán

Gaspar de Guzmán is tall and strong, with unusual and scarce hair and a very thick black beard. His eyes are dark, black, and alive. He is about thirty-five years old and usually dresses in dark, high-quality clothes.

Luis de Alquézar

Luis de Alquézar is a man of medium height with a round head and regular but unfriendly features. His hair is sparse, dingy, and gray, like his closely trimmed beard, which extends from the lower lip to the chin. His mustache is thin but wavy on the cheeks, streaked with red veins like his thick nose. He has very bright and intelligent eyes, and his left eyebrow is arched higher than the right. Half of his face is covered, and he has an arrogant look. He has a thick neck.

Fray Emilio Bocanegra

Fray Emilio Bocanegra has bright eyes topped by bushy eyebrows and a gaunt face. His serious and firm expression is fanatical, marked by the hollows of his shaven cheeks. He is around fifty years old. He has short gray hair around his temples. His hands are dry and gritty.

Customs and Clothing of the Era

Customs

Around midnight, neighbors used to cry out and throw their refuse and water out of the windows. Thugs and robbers stalked their victims in the dark, devoid of street lighting. At that time, anything in the court of Philip IV could be bought with money, even consciences.

Clothing

People used to wear a suit, jacket, coat, hat, and boots. The cape was also very practical when fighting; wound on the left arm or chest, it served as protection, and dropped on its steel, it could hinder an opponent's lunge.

Personal Opinion

The book *Captain Alatriste* is very confusing at first. It is necessary to be very attentive to what is read so as not to lose the thread of the narrative. Then, as the chapters go by, the reading becomes easier. I think this is a good adventure book. Honestly, it was difficult for me to read because this type of book is not my preference, but I reiterate that I think it is a good book.