The Fake Astrologer: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Fake Astrologer" revolves around a tangled web of love, deception, and mistaken identities among its major characters. Central to the narrative is Don Diego, a wealthy nobleman who is infatuated with María but is rejected by her. In a bid to win her affection, he tasks his servant Morón with gathering intelligence about her, leading to a series of misunderstandings when Morón inadvertently spreads the rumor that Don Diego possesses astrological powers. This false identity brings chaos, as Don Diego’s so-called prophecies create confusion and alienate those around him, even facilitating a romance between María and his rival, Juan de Medrano.
Morón, who is also navigating his own romantic interests with Beatriz, finds himself caught in the fallout of Don Diego’s deception. Beatriz serves as a crucial link between the characters, sharing secrets about María's interactions with Juan. The mix of social classes and romantic entanglements highlights themes of love, loyalty, and the ramifications of false pretenses. Other characters, including Doña Violante, a woman in love with Juan, and Leonardo, María's father, contribute to the intricate dynamics of the story. Ultimately, the play explores how miscommunication and ambition can lead to unintended consequences in personal relationships.
The Fake Astrologer: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Pedro Calderón de la Barca
First published: 1633 as El astrólogo fingido (English translation, 1668)
Genre: Play
Locale: Madrid, Spain
Plot: Farce
Time: Seventeenth century
Don Diego (dee-EH-goh), a wealthy nobleman. In love with María but spurned by her, he directs his servant, Morón, to try to learn how best to approach the lady. When Don Diego repeats to his friends Morón's gleanings concerning María's activities, the servant spreads the story that his master is an astrologer with knowledge of past and future. Don Diego's supposed occult powers bring him only trouble, as his false prophecies spread confusion and turn everybody against him. He even succeeds in uniting María and his rival, Juan de Medrano.
Morón (mohr-OHN), Don Diego's servant, who is in love with Beatriz. His master instructs him to pump Beatriz concerning her mistress, María. Morón finds his beloved in danger of exposure when Don Diego passes on the information obtained from her. To protect Beatriz, Morón explains that Don Diego's knowledge comes through his powers as an astrologer.
María (mah-REE-ah), a young girl loved by Don Diego and Juan de Medrano.
Juan de Medrano (hwahn deh meh-DRAH-noh), an impoverished young nobleman in love with María and preferred by her to Don Diego.
Beatriz (beh-ah-TREES), María's maid, loved by Morón, to whom she reveals the details of Juan de Medrano's visits to her mistress.
Don Carlos, Juan de Medrano's friend.
Doña Violante (vee-oh-LAHN-teh), a woman in love with Juan de Medrano.
Leonardo (leh-oh-NAHR-doh), María's father.