Charcters
This character is Antonio’s mentor and spiritual guide, who comes to live with his family in Chapter 1.
Who is Ultima?
This location is where Ultima moves in with Antonio's family at the beginning of the novel.
What is the Marez-Luna home?
In Chapter 1, Antonio's mother expresses a deep desire for him to follow this religious tradition, shaping her hopes for his future.
What is becoming a priest?
This young boy is the protagonist introduced in Chapter 1, struggling to understand the world around him.
Who is Antonio (Marez)?
When Ultima arrives at Antonio's house, she brings with her a symbolic owl, which represents this aspect of her character.
What is her spiritual power (or protector)?
Antonio's father, a former vaquero, dreams of returning to the llano and has this surname.
Who is Gabriel Márez?
Antonio often explores this natural setting near his home, where he feels a connection to the land and spirits.
What is the llano (the plains)?
Antonio's father's family, the Márez, follow this tradition, connected to the open plains and a nomadic, free-spirited lifestyle.
What is the vaquero (cowboy) tradition?
Antonio’s family lives on the edge of this New Mexican town, where much of the story takes place.
What is Guadalupe?
Antonio's mother is thrilled by Ultima’s arrival because she believes Ultima will guide Antonio toward this path.
What is becoming a priest?
This character, Antonio's mother, wishes for him to become a priest and comes from a family of farmers.
Who is María Luna?
The peaceful river that runs near Antonio’s house, which becomes a significant symbol of life and spiritual reflection.
What is the Guadalupe River?
The act of receiving this Catholic sacrament becomes a central concern for Antonio in these early chapters, as it signifies his spiritual development.
What is Communion?
Ultima, who comes to live with Antonio’s family in Chapter 1, is known by this title, symbolizing her spiritual and healing abilities.
What is a curandera?
Ultima’s presence in the family is linked to Antonio's growing awareness of this struggle between his parents’ different aspirations for him.
What is the conflict between his father’s desire for freedom and his mother’s desire for stability?
Antonio's three older brothers, León, Andrew, and Eugene, fought in this war and are distant from the family after returning.
What is World War II?
This is the town where Antonio’s father, Gabriel Marez, dreams of moving to live a more free life, away from farming.
What is Las Pasturas?
This cultural and healing tradition, practiced by Ultima, is based on indigenous and folk practices passed down through generations.
What is curanderismo?
Antonio dreams of this event in Chapter 1, symbolizing his connection to his ancestors and his struggle with identity.
What is his birth?
In Chapter 3, Ultima teaches Antonio about the curative powers of this, deepening his connection to the natural world.
What are herbs and plants?
This boy is Antonio's close friend and stands out as a troublemaker in school during the early chapters.
Who is Samuel?
Chapter 3, Antonio has a significant religious experience in this location, where he dreams of meeting the Virgin of Guadalupe.
What is the church?
In the early chapters, Antonio’s father honors this tradition when he reflects on his family's history and dreams of returning to the llano.
What is the tradition of the llaneros (plainsmen)?
In Chapter 1, Antonio’s mother feels blessed when this elderly healer moves in with the family.
Who is Ultima?
During Ultima’s stay, Antonio begins to witness her use of this traditional healing practice, which separates her from conventional doctors.
What is folk medicine (or curanderismo)?