Father Irene Character Analysis in El Filibusterismo

Father Irene is a Spanish priest and prominent leader in the colonial power structure. A close confidante of Captain Tiago’s, Irene enables his opium addiction, frustrating Basilio. Politically risk-averse, Irene refuses to take a side on the issue of the Spanish-language academy. Like Father Camorra, Irene also displays an unseemly amount of sexual interest for a priest, embarrassing himself at the operetta by fawning over the dancers. In a small act of kindness, however, Irene reinserts Basilio into Captain Tiago’s will after the latter’s death.

Father Irene Character Timeline in El Filibusterismo

The timeline below shows where the character Father Irene appears in El Filibusterismo. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Hypocrisy and Colonial Oppression Theme Icon

...and racist Doña Victorina; the influential Don Custodio; the journalist Ben Zayb; the priest Father Irene; and Simoun, a mysterious and powerful jeweler. Doña Victorina is in a foul mood. This... (full context)

...Captain Tiago, is addicted to opium and struggling to kick the habit thanks to Father Irene’s enabling. He explains that Father Irene advised Tiago to send Basilio to check up on... (full context)

...Then the captain-general returns to Los Baños, a lakeside resort, and plays cards with Fathers Irene, Sibyla, and Camorra. Don Custodio, Simoun, Ben Zayb, the chief of staff, and a quieter... (full context)

...turn to the students’ petition for a Spanish-language academy. The chief of staff and Father Irene are in favor, while Fathers Sibyla and Camorra are strongly opposed, arguing that the academy... (full context)

Makaraig arrives and informs the other students that Father Irene has taken their side, though most of the other power brokers are opposed to them.... (full context)

...strain to understand the operetta, focusing mostly on the scandal surrounding it. They spot Father Irene in the crowd cheering for one particular dancer. They are even hushed by Juanito, who... (full context)

...resolves to help his patron anyways. Tiago only has two other visitors, Simoun and Father Irene. The evening of the operetta, Basilio is quickly reading a medical textbook banned by the... (full context)

...Captain Tiago, hearing of Basilio’s arrest, finally dies, using his last breath to grab Father Irene’s arm, terrifying the priest. Overnight, small outbursts of violence happen throughout the city but, though... (full context)

Father Irene oversees Captain Tiago’s funeral, ensuring that Basilio will receive his inheritance, which Tiago had removed... (full context)

...people. Before he goes in to warn the guests, however, he sees Fathers Salví and Irene arrive and regains his resolve, reminding himself he has a far better friend in Simoun... (full context)