Protagonist

Character Role Analysis

José Arcadio Buendía & Úrsula

This novel doesn't really have any protagonists. Do we root for any of these people to succeed? Not really. Are any of them completely central to the plot? Not really. But you know, if we had to pick some faces out of the crowd, we'd pick the starting couple, mostly because they have so much good will, pluck, and determination when the novel first gets going. José Arcadio Buendía is hard-working, responsible, and dedicated, and Úrsula is energetic, tireless, and rational – it really does seem like they can do no wrong together. Until everything goes wrong, that is.

Aureliano (II) & Amaranta Úrsula

Okay, we have to be honest – we do kind of want these crazy kids to make it at the end of the novel. They're in love! They're modern and not hampered by all that crazy superstition that drove their ancestors bananas! They're going to have a baby! Oh right, that's when it all goes downhill.