Characters of La Celestina: A Deep Dive

Characters of La Celestina

Celestina

A vivid and vital character, Celestina is hedonistic and greedy. She manipulates others through their desires, exploiting their greed, sexual appetites, and love of power.

Calisto

A high-society individual concerned only with satisfying his desires. Calisto's cynicism leads him to despise the sincerity of his servant, Pármeno, and ignore his warnings. His selfishness is revealed in his disregard for the consequences of his actions.

Melibea

A passionate woman who transitions from absolute resistance to surrendering to Calisto. This shift is portrayed with internal conflict, suggesting forced and unnatural repression.

Pármeno

Perhaps the most tragic character, Pármeno is corrupted by those around him. The son of Claudina, a former associate of Celestina, he attempts to warn Calisto of the impending dangers but is humiliated. His loyalty eventually crumbles as he is seduced by one of Celestina's apprentices.

Sempronio

Sempronio has lost all ideals and seeks only to exploit his masters for personal gain. He maintains a relationship with one of Celestina's prostitutes, who deceives him. He initiates the plan to exploit Calisto, highlighting the breakdown of feudal bonds.

Areúsa and Elicia

These prostitutes harbor deep resentment towards men and those like Melibea. Spiteful and envious, they seek revenge for the deaths of their lovers, Calisto's servants. Elicia is nonchalant, unconcerned with the past or future. Areúsa possesses a sharper self-awareness, driven by jealousy and hatred of the upper class.

Melibea's Parents

Alisa, Melibea's mother, has a superficial relationship with her daughter, focused solely on marriage prospects without consulting Melibea. Pleberio, a busy father, deeply loves his daughter. Upon her death, he delivers a lament at the play's end, expressing his grief and the futility of his efforts.