El capitan Alatriste is the first edition of a series of novels numbering seven under Captain Alatriste. The author incorporated characters that brought out the relevance of the book with great wit. Below are the notable characters.
Captain Diego Alatriste Y Tenorio
He joined the army when he was 13 years and has been there until he can no longer continue to stay after he develops a bad wound. Contrary to what the reader may think at first glance, he is not a trained captain. It is a nickname he was given by his colleagues after he had to assume the position in acting capacity to commander his team of troops. This followed the killing of their official captain.
After his retire from the army, he becomes a swordsman at least to earn a living. He would later rejoin the army and encounter so many amazing and adventurous escapades. He was killed in the Battle of Rocroi. See facts on Spanish history.
Íñigo Balboa Y Aguirre
When his father died in a trap in the presence of Alatriste, he left him and his education at Alatriste’s custody. In the effort to keep his promise, Alatriste adopts him and takes him everywhere he goes. He slowly becomes his personal assistant and masters the art of narrating their adventures in the face of various challenges.
Angélica De Alquézar
She is the mystical lady who updates Inigo on the happenings in the Spain monarchy at the time Alatriste and himself have left for war. She works as a personal assistant to the Queen and will at some point be romantically involved with Inigo. She is very pretty but eventually their relationship does not work out and they break up one time when she changes their plans to elope at the very last minute. She attempts to arm Inigo who in the effort to defend himself kills her.
Luis De Alquézar
He is a man of Aragonese descent and the royal secretary. He has studied law in Zaragoza and kicks off his career working as a royal audience clerk in the Aragonese capital. His competence sees him rise up the ranks to become part of the council of Aragon in the year 1610. On seeing his determination, the Duke of Olivares assists him to become the royal secretary. He will later meet Alatriste in his quest to execute the two English men. After Alatriste fails to fulfill his plan, he develops hatred towards him and will try all he can to execute him.
Francisco De Quevedo
He is a master of poetry and Alatriste’s comrade.
Gualterio Malatesta
He is an Italian born swordsman and Alatriste’s nemeses from the word go all through the first four editions of the series. He kicks off his mercenary career in Palermo his hometown and later moves to Madrid where he is hired by Luis de Alquezar. When Alatriste opposes the plan to assassinate the two Englishmen, he becomes his enemy. He will later attempt to kill King Philip IV an act which sees him locked up in custody.