Blood and Sand

A gifted matador from Seville who leaves for Madrid to pursue success. He returns with winnings to support his impoverished family and marries Carmen. His talent earns him fame as Spain's premier matador, but his entanglement with Doña Sol and neglect of training lead to a downfall. He is driven by ambition and a desire to prove himself, even as personal loyalties falter.

Aristocratic childhood sweetheart and wife of Juan. She remains a steadfast presence but ultimately leaves him when his life is drawn into Doña Sol's world. She forgives him later, embodying loyalty and resilience amid upheaval. Her love anchors the story's emotional core.

A sultry socialite who captivates Juan at a bullfight and draws him away from his wife and discipline. Her lifestyle and influence complicate Juan's decisions and accelerate his decline. She embodies decadent allure and the peril of celebrity.

Juan's childhood friend who rises to become a rival matador. His ascent mirrors Juan's own peak and his relationship with Carmen adds another layer of tension. Manolo's path highlights the costs of ambition within a tight-knit circle.

A veteran figure in the bullfighting world whose presence signals the old guard and the weight of tradition. His interactions with the younger matadors reflect the pressures of lineage and reputation in the sport.

A wealthy patron within the aristocratic circles who influences events and supports or obstructs the matadors as social dynamics shift. His role underscores the close ties between sport, money, and status in the era.

A friend from Juan's circle who witnesses his rise and fall. His perspective helps ground the story in shared history and community ties among the matadors and their families.

An aristocrat in the social milieu surrounding the bullfighting world. His presence highlights the opulence and expectations of high society that press on the matadors.

A matriarchal figure within the Doña Sol circle, representing influence and social authority in elite circles. Her interactions reflect the cultural norms and expectations of the era.

A military officer who appears in the social world surrounding the matadors. He embodies the disciplined, public-facing side of the era's milieu.