26 pages 52 minutes read

José Zorrilla y Moral

Don Juan Tenorio

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1844

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Character Analysis

Don Juan Tenorio

Don Juan Tenorio is the main character in the play. He is a wild young gallant who chases thrills, which is best illustrated by the bet he made with his friend to see who could do the most damage to others in a single year. Don Juan won by dishonoring more women and killing more men; he admits that he doesn't believe in God's salvation and thus seeks his pleasure while he's alive. Don Juan is easily able to manipulate and charm others because he is charismatic, intelligent, and sneaky. Despite this, he does fall for Dona Ines, a young woman who he intends to marry, and who has been living in a convent. When he tells her father that he will change for her, though, Don Gonzalo refuses to accept it and instead rejects him. When he's rejected, he reverts to form and blames others for his problems; he kills Don Gonzalo and Don Luis. This puts him back on the path to reject God until Dona Ines, dead because of the Don Juan's actions, bargains her soul to save him. Don Juan still does not accept her offer of salvation until he's literally about to be dragged into Hell.