The Captain General Character Analysis in Noli Me Tangere

An unnamed representative of Spain, and the highest government official in the Philippines. Civil Guard members, townspeople, and friars alike deeply respect him and defer to his judgment, each set of people volleying for his favor. Fortunately for Ibarra, the Captain General is not an enthusiastic supporter of the church and its over-inflated power, believing that the friars have been afforded too much power in Filipino society. Nonetheless, he recognizes the church’s influence and does nothing to impede it, though he does pull strings to have Ibarra’s excommunication lifted after the young man’s dispute with Father Dámaso at the dinner party. Despite his support of the project to build a school, he is unable to help when Father Salví frames Ibarra as a subversive and heretic.

The Captain General Character Timeline in Noli Me Tangere

The timeline below shows where the character The Captain General appears in Noli Me Tangere. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Colonialism, Religion, and Power Theme Icon

...story, the lieutenant says that Father Dámaso exhumed this distinguished man’s body from the cemetery. The Captain General knew about this, and thus transferred Dámaso from San Diego as a punishment. Having finished... (full context)

...assures Ibarra that he did everything in his power to save Don Rafael, even contacting the Captain General and hiring a lawyer, but unfortunately the government was too corrupt to afford any assistance,... (full context)

Rizal turns his attention to the Captain General , who hears from somebody present at the dinner party that Father Dámaso spoke unfavorably... (full context)

...about Ibarra’s appearance in the graveyard that afternoon. Tasio tells them that he complained to the Captain General when he saw the “extraordinary profanation” brought about by the exhumation of Don Rafael’s body.... (full context)

After Father Salví blesses the school, the revered Captain General says a few words before the town’s most influential members descend one by one into... (full context)

...in attendance, except for Father Dámaso. During the meal, Captain Tiago receives a telegram saying the Captain General will arrive to stay at his house that evening, and he rushes off to prepare.... (full context)

...in danger of excommunication. Stricken with grief, María Clara runs to her room just as the Captain General arrives. (full context)

The Captain General decides he’d like to speak to Ibarra. Nonetheless, he must first meet with the friars,... (full context)

Ibarra arrives to meet with the Captain General , who greets Ibarra very warmly, telling him that he is impressed and pleased by... (full context)

...hand out these blows as punishment for one’s sins or merely because they enjoy it.” The Captain General overhears this and agrees with Ibarra, saying it would be “better to ban” this kind... (full context)

...systems of power have treated so poorly. He suggests that perhaps Ibarra can speak with the Captain General about these difficult matters. Although Pablo appears unconvinced, Elías persuades him to at least refrain... (full context)

...affiliation with Ibarra. Similar conversations circulate throughout the high society, and it becomes clear that the Captain General has backed away from his good relationship with Ibarra. (full context)

...that nobody pays him much attention during these turbulent times. Unlike many of his friends—whom the Captain General orders to live in government buildings for several days—he is permitted to remain in his... (full context)