The Cutter: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Cutter: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complexities of individuals navigating life in Cuba under a repressive regime. The central character, Julian Campos, is a twenty-year-old university student yearning for freedom. Despite his responsible nature and deep care for his family, particularly his ailing grandmother Bernarda, he grapples with feelings of betrayal due to his parents' decision to leave Cuba without him. Bernarda embodies the disillusionment of those who once supported the revolution but became disheartened by the government’s oppressive actions. The narrative also features Carmina, Bernarda's devoted housekeeper, who, while sympathetic to Julian’s plight, chooses to stay in Cuba, suggesting a unique form of freedom within her circumstances. Other characters, like Blancarosa, Julian's former classmate, and Nicanor, a Communist Party official, illustrate the themes of betrayal and the harsh realities of life under an authoritarian regime. Fermin, Ofelia's father, provides a tragic counterpoint to Julian’s aspirations, highlighting the personal toll of disillusionment and the desire for escape. Through these characters, the text delves into the nuanced relationships and moral dilemmas faced in the pursuit of freedom amid societal constraints.
The Cutter: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Virgil Suarez
First published: 1991
Genre: Novel
Locale: Cuba and the United States
Plot: Bildungsroman
Time: 1969
Julian Campos, the main character, a twenty-year-old university student. He longs for freedom and attempts to attain it legally, but he eventually realizes that he will never be allowed to leave Cuba. Although Julian's parents were deeply distressed about having to leave their son behind when they left the country, they made the choice to leave. Despite Julian's own desperation to leave Cuba, he never forgives his parents for leaving for the United States without him. Julian is a good, responsible young man. He cares deeply for his ailing grandmother Bernarda and for Carmina, Bernarda's housekeeper and nursemaid. Julian tries to do what is right and obtain his freedom legally, but he suffers for his efforts.
Bernarda Del Rio (RREE-oh), Julian's grandmother. She represents that group of people who believed in the system but became disillusioned after the repressive government began to retaliate against those who opposed the revolution. After Julian's father, Ernesto, was imprisoned for organizing “antirevolutionary activities,” Bernarda renounced Cuba and the revolution. She longs for a reunion with her son in the United States.
Carmina (kahr-MEE-nah), Bernarda's faithful housekeeper and friend. She nurses Julian's grandmother until she dies, then cares for Julian after his return from a work camp. Although Carmina sympathizes with Julian's desire to leave Cuba and assists him in his efforts, she refuses to leave. Cuba is her home, and Carmina suggests that she has a kind of freedom there.
Blancarosa Calderon (blahn-kah-ROH-sah kahl-dehROHN), a former classmate of Julian. She inspires no sympathy, for she betrays her friends. Although government officials and party sympathizers call Julian a gusano, a traitor, it is clear that Blancarosa is the only traitor in the novel: She deliberately deceives those who entrust their lives to her.
Ofelia (oh-FEH-lee-ah), Julian's neighbor. She tells Julian about a planned escape from Cuba. Ofelia believes herself to be in love with Julian and is jealous of Blancarosa, toward whom Julian seems to have romantic inclinations.
Fermin (fehr-MEEN), Ofelia's father. Fermin goes to the cane fields with Julian to serve as a “voluntary” worker as a means of earning the right to emigrate. He and Julian spend time together in the camp jail cell. At the camp, Fermin is caught buying aguardiente, an illegal alcoholic drink. Fermin, who drinks to ease his frustration, tells Julian, while they are in detention, that he wants to die drunk. Fermin dies mysteriously, apparently getting his wish.
Nicanor (nee-KAH-nohr), a Communist Party cadre. Nicanor is in charge of El Comite, “the community watch-dog.” He is the only major black character. He is a widower who lost his pregnant wife in a fire ten years before the action of the novel. Before the revolution, Nicanor was unemployed. He refuses a chance to flee Cuba after the revolution, vowing to attain a position in which he is powerful enough to “get even” for his wife's death. Nicanor watches Julian carefully and suspects, near the end of the novel, that Julian plans to leave Cuba illegally. Nicanor represents the repressive, ruthless government. He is clearly responsible for thwarting Julian's attempts to leave Cuba legally.