Key Characters in Savolta and Historia de una escalera

Characters in La verdad sobre el caso Savolta

Javier Miranda

Javier Miranda is the protagonist of the novel. He is a somewhat strange character, as he often acts contrary to expectations. Although for some reason everything goes wrong, he is fundamentally a good man. He is a normal person; his aspirations are not very high. However, problems arise when Lepprince involves him in an extortion ring from which he cannot escape. His biggest challenge, influenced by a woman, is discovering his feelings for María Coral. He ends up marrying her, although their marriage is fraught with problems. At the end of the novel, they go to live together in the USA.

Paul-André Lepprince

One of the most relevant characters, as the novel revolves around him. At the end of the book, it is suggested that he is the son of Cortabaynes. He tries to project the image of a French bourgeois, but actually has no money; all he seeks is a way to make money. In his pursuit of capital, and after having married the daughter of Savolta, he arranges the murder of one of the main shareholders of the company to take their share. He has no qualms, even deceiving his supposed best friend, the aforementioned Javier Miranda. This character is endowed with complexity, because although he appears ruthless, he often doesn't behave as such. In some moments, like the end of the book, he reveals his feelings, showing concern for his family. He dies from an explosion in his factory while he was inside.

María Coral

She is the gypsy girl with whom Javier Miranda falls in love. She works with two strongmen who juggle, although the latter two were actually thugs hired by Savolta and Lepprince for murder. Over time, she becomes the lover of Lepprince and later the wife of Javier, though she doesn't truly love him sincerely. She leaves him and goes with Max, a bodyguard for Lepprince. They end up together again at the end of the novel.

Cortabaynes

A lawyer from Barcelona; Javier is his assistant. He is present throughout much of the novel and has an important role, as he is apparently Lepprince's father. Furthermore, it was he who helped establish the Savolta company.

Pajarito de Soto

A journalist with anarchist ideals, who protests against the Savolta company, since the working conditions for the workers are somewhat precarious. He is important at the beginning of the novel, but once killed, loses relevance until his murderer is revealed at the end of the book.

Inspector Vázquez

He is tasked with investigating the death of Pajarito de Soto, and later the deaths related to Savolta. When he gets close to the truth, he is sent to Africa, but that doesn't stop him from returning and finding out what really happened. His discoveries about Lepprince give him importance.

Nemesio Gómez (El Cabra)

This character is a madman, who claims to be chosen by God to carry out a mission. He discovered a letter sent by De Soto before he died. He is a very curious character, because although he is mad, there are times when he shows moments of sanity.

Characters in Historia de una escalera

Paca

Mother of Urbano, Rosa, and Trini, and wife of Mr. Juan. She is a middle-class woman. At first, she exercised considerable authority with her children, but when she is old, she complains that they no longer listen to her.

Generosa

Wife of Gregorio. Mother of Pepe and Carmina. She is a righteous woman. She loves her husband and regrets his death; she favors her daughter over her son.

Don Manuel

A wealthy man, the richest person on the stairs. He is willing to help his neighbors with money and indulging the whims of his daughter Elvira.