The Character Blocks of Miguel Delibes' *The Holy Innocents*

Character Analysis in *The Holy Innocents*

The gallery of characters that appears in the novel denotes the author's strong concern for human beings. The Holy Innocents is fundamentally a novel of character, both quantitatively and qualitatively; the largest proportion of the text is reserved for the portrayal of human figures.

Classification of Characters by Presence

We can establish three distinct groups based on their prominence and function:

1. Characters in the Spotlight (Primary)

   These are the central figures driving the narrative. They include Azarías (the real protagonist), Paco el Bajo, and Master Iván (representing negative traits).

2. Background Characters (Essential Support)

   Their presence is minor but essential to expand the story's context. This group includes Paco el Bajo's family, Master Iván's family, Pedro, the expert, and his wife, Purita.

3. Third-Plane Characters (Accidental but Necessary)

   Their presence is accidental but necessary for illustrating the social complexity of the issues within the work. These include the rest of the servants, the Master de la Jara, the guests of the gentry, and those outside the house (such as the physician and teachers).

Thematic Conflict: Simple vs. Vain Characters

In the novel, the conflict surrounding human nature faces two blocks of characters that can be broadly called the simple and the vain.

The Simple Characters: Purity and Authenticity

This group emphasizes a state of purity (uncontaminated by modern civilization), authenticity, and a disinherited character (both biologically and socially). They are defined by the poverty surrounding them and their close relationship with the natural environment. Key figures include:

• Azarías: Happy in his ignorance, his final act stands as a testament to his own possibilities.
• Paco el Bajo and his family: Known for their acceptance and submission to their condition without rebellion, with the notable exception of Quirce.
• Other inhabitants of the farmhouse.

The Vain Characters: Status and False Appearance

These characters stand out for their high social status and their desire to maintain a false appearance. They represent the oppressors:

• Master Iván: A figure of the cacique (local despot), tyrannical, and disrespectful of persons.
• The Marquesa.
• The Master de la Jara.
• Don Pedro: Exhibits a double face, acting as both oppressor and oppressed.
• Doña Purita: Primarily concerned with appearances.
• The guests.

Manichaeism and Social Purpose

The simple characters are similar to the oppressed, and the vain characters are similar to the oppressors. This clear division attributes a certain Manichaeism to the work. However, we must not forget that the novel provides a clear social purpose: to criticize the injustice inherent in oppression.