House of Bernarda Alba: characters

Bernarda Alba

Bernarda Alba is the matriarch of the house, who exercises strict control over her five daughters. Her tyrannical rule is one of the major drivers behind the play’s conflict.
She is deeply concerned about social status and honour and imposes a world of rigid restrictions on her daughters in order to maintain a façade of propriety.
Bernarda is a strong representation of oppressive patriarchy, despite being female herself.

Adela

Adela, the youngest daughter, is the most rebellious of the five. She actively resists her mother’s control, symbolising the desire for freedom and individuality.
Her tragic end exposes the fatal consequences of extreme repression in a society obsessed with honour and reputation.

Martirio

Martirio is showcased as the most pitiful of Bernarda’s daughters. She is constantly portrayed as sick and suffering, symbolising the oppressive atmosphere of the household.
She is obsessed with the unseen character Pepe el Romano, contributing to the intense rivalry and jealousy between the sisters.

La Poncia

La Poncia is the head servant. She is seen as a voice of reason and practicality, offering insights on the cruelty of Bernarda’s rule and the resentment it breeds.
She acts as a conduit between the external world and the isolated women inside Bernarda’s household.

Angustias, Magdalena, and Amelia

Angustias, Magdalena, and Amelia are Bernarda’s other daughters who each represent different aspects of oppression and female suffering within the confining societal structure. They, along with Martirio, are bound by Bernarda’s will.

Each character in ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’ plays a crucial role in representing the themes of gender inequality, repression, and societal pressures. Analyse their individual traits and relations to others to truly grasp the societal commentary that Lorca presents in his tragic drama.