Characters
The Old Man
The old man with enormous wings, the protagonist of the story, remains an enigma, shrouded in mystery and ambiguity. His true nature, motives, and even origins are never explicitly revealed, leaving him open to interpretation and fueling the narrative's exploration of human perception and belief.
Initially perceived as a castaway, the man's wings spark speculation and fear, quickly morphing him into an angel in the eyes of the townspeople. However, his tattered clothes, unintelligible language, and inability to perform traditional miracles cast doubt on this heavenly association. He endures confinement, mistreatment, and even cruelty, rarely reacting except for the primal fury that was sparked by being branded with iron.
The question of whether the old man is indeed an angel or simply a man with extraordinary wings remains unanswered. His "miracles," like granting the blind man new teeth or the paralytic near-winning the lottery, are unconventional and open to interpretation—perhaps they are genuine miracles or maybe they are simply coincidences.
Unable to communicate, he remains an outsider, even within the family that houses him. His yearning for freedom is evident in his eventual escape, but it's unclear what awaits him beyond the horizon—a return to his celestial home or a journey toward an unknown fate.
Pelayo
Pelayo, a married man with a newborn son, navigates the extraordinary with a mix of pragmatism and opportunism. While not cruel, his actions are primarily driven by self-interest and a desire to improve his family's well-being.
Initially, Pelayo approaches the peculiar winged figure with caution, unsure if he is a castaway or something else. He is influenced by his neighbor's pronouncement of the figure as an angel but remains hesitant. This initial apprehension highlights his grounded nature and reluctance to embrace the absurd.
However, when presented with the opportunity to capitalize on the townspeople's fascination, Pelayo sheds his reservations. He confines the "angel" to the chicken coop, turning him into a spectacle and charging admission. This action, while driven by financial gain, also reveals a tendency to exploit even the unknown for personal benefit.
Despite this commercialism, Pelayo shows some compassion. He chooses not to harm the "angel" as suggested by others and provides him with basic necessities. This reveals an underlying humanity amidst his pragmatism.
As the fascination with the “angel” fades and the "spider woman" arrives, Pelayo readily moves on, demonstrating a lack of emotional attachment to the "angel." He even builds a new house with the earned money, highlighting his focus on material gain.
Pelayo’s actions reflect the human tendency to struggle with the unknown, often prioritizing self-interest while grappling with the potential for something extraordinary.
Elisenda
Elisenda, Pelayo’s wife, shares her husband's practical mindset but often surpasses him in prioritizing personal gain and outward appearances, revealing a shallowness that initially blinds her to the extraordinary unfolding around her.
Elisenda's initial reaction to the "angel" is swift and actionable. She readily sees the opportunity for profit, proposing to charge admission to see the winged figure. This keen eye for financial gain is further highlighted by her subsequent obsession with acquiring material possessions, prioritizing “some satin pumps with high heels and many dresses of iridescent silk” and a new house over any deeper contemplation of the "angel's" true nature.
Unlike Pelayo's occasional displays of compassion, she exhibits a marked lack of empathy toward the "angel," viewing him as a nuisance and burden. This lack of compassion extends even to her own child, as she is not particularly bothered about his emotional or physical well-being.
Despite her self-centered nature, Elisenda is not entirely impervious to the presence of the extraordinary. As the "angel" regains his strength and prepares to depart, a hint of wistfulness washes over her. This suggests a fleeting recognition of the wonder she has allowed to pass unnoticed, perhaps tinged with regret at the loss of the spectacle and the financial benefits it brought.
