Le Cid

Pierre Corneille
36 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Play
Adult
Published in 1636

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

A young Castilian warrior from a noble family. He possesses a keen moral conscience and seeks to live by his society's strict code of honor. He deeply loves Chimène but finds himself caught in an agonizing dilemma when his father's honor is publicly insulted, forcing him to choose between his family duties and his romantic future.

Key Relationships

Son of Don Diego

Suitor to Chimène

Challenged by The Count

Romantic Rival of Don Sancho

Secretly Admired by The Infanta

Subject of Don Fernando, The King of Castile

The daughter of the Count de Gormas and the fiancée of Don Rodrigo. She is a dutiful daughter who values justice and family loyalty. Despite her father's initial approval of her marriage, she experiences persistent anxiety that fate will intervene to disrupt her happiness.

Key Relationships

Daughter of The Count

Betrothed to Don Rodrigo

Employer of Elvira

Friend of The Infanta

Pursued by Don Sancho

An active military man and the King's most valued veteran warrior. Despite his unquestionable military prowess, he is arrogant and quick-tempered. He deeply resents the King's decision to appoint Don Diego as the prince's tutor instead of himself, leading him to incite a dangerous feud.

Key Relationships

Father of Chimène

Rival of Don Diego

Valued Warrior of Don Fernando, The King of Castile

Prospective Father-in-law to Don Rodrigo

Advised by Don Arias

The elderly father of Don Rodrigo and a formerly great warrior in his own right. He has recently received a prestigious appointment as tutor to the prince. Physically weak due to his advanced age, he relies heavily on his son to protect his honor when challenged by aggressive rivals.

Key Relationships

Father of Don Rodrigo

Rival of The Count

Appointee of Don Fernando, The King of Castile

The King of Castile who serves as the moral and legal arbiter for his subjects. He expects deference from his noblemen and faces the dual pressures of managing internal disputes among his proud courtiers while securing his nation against approaching Moorish forces.

Key Relationships

Father of The Infanta

Ruler of The Count

Ruler of Don Diego

Ruler of Don Rodrigo

Employer of Don Arias

Employer of Don Alonzo

The daughter of the King of Castile. She struggles with intense internal conflict due to her secret feelings for Don Rodrigo. Aware that her royal station forbids her from marrying a nobleman of lower rank, she attempts to extinguish her passion by encouraging Rodrigo's marriage to her friend Chimène.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Don Fernando, The King of Castile

Friend of Chimène

Secret Admirer of Don Rodrigo

Employer of Leonora

Supporting Characters

A Castilian nobleman and warrior who seeks Chimène's hand in marriage. He respects the rules of courtly love and honor, offering an alternative path for Chimène's future while standing as a direct rival to Don Rodrigo.

Key Relationships

Suitor to Chimène

Rival of Don Rodrigo

Subject of Don Fernando, The King of Castile

Chimène's lady-in-waiting and closest confidante. She serves as a sounding board for Chimène's anxieties and hopes, bringing her updates about her suitors and family matters.

Key Relationships

Lady-in-waiting to Chimène

Messenger regarding Don Rodrigo

The Infanta's lady-in-waiting. She provides practical advice to her mistress, frequently reminding The Infanta of her royal obligations and the social impossibilities of her romantic desires.

Key Relationships

Lady-in-waiting to The Infanta

A courtier to the King of Castile. He acts as a messenger and advisor, attempting to warn other noblemen about the King's displeasure and counseling reason over rash actions.

Key Relationships

Courtier to Don Fernando, The King of Castile

Peer of The Count

A courtier in the service of the King of Castile. He functions primarily to deliver vital information regarding the noblemen's actions and looming military threats.

Key Relationships

Courtier to Don Fernando, The King of Castile