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Character Role Analysis

Pedro and Father Rentería

Pedro is dedicated to being rich, and Father Rentería is, whether he likes it or not (he doesn't), dedicated to being poor. Pedro takes his revenge through action—killing everyone who was in the vicinity of his father's murder. Father Rentería takes his revenge by withholding action—refusing to pardon an evil man's soul.

This last difference has yet another layer: Pedro's revenge is total. He never looks back from his decision to destroy Comala. Father Rentería, though, can be bought off, and forgives Miguel Páramo even after he tries to take revenge by refusing to do so.