Hopscotch

Main Characters and Their Development

• Horacio Oliveira — the main character of the novel, an Argentine living in Paris. He is an intellectual prone to philosophical reflections and the search for the meaning of life. Horacio is constantly in search of harmony and truth, but his internal contradictions and doubts prevent him from finding peace. Throughout the novel, he experiences complex relationships with those around him, especially with La Maga, and his development involves realizing the impossibility of achieving absolute truth.
• La Maga (Lucía) — a young Uruguayan woman, Horacio's lover. She represents the opposite of Horacio: emotional, intuitive, and spontaneous. La Maga lives in the present moment and does not strive for deep philosophical reflections. Her development in the novel is connected to her attempts to understand and accept Horacio's complex world, as well as with motherhood and caring for her son Rocamadour.
• Rocamadour — La Maga's son, an infant who plays an important role in the lives of La Maga and Horacio. His illness and death become significant emotional trials for the characters, affecting their relationships and internal experiences.
• Manolo Traven — one of Horacio's friends, a member of the 'Serpent Club,' an intellectual and philosopher. He represents a rational and analytical mind, often engaging in discussions with Horacio. His development is linked to the search for truth and understanding of human nature.
• Etienne — a French artist and friend of Horacio, a member of the 'Serpent Club.' He symbolizes the creative spirit and the pursuit of self-expression through art. His development is connected to the search for his own style and understanding art as a way of knowing the world.
• Gregor — another member of the 'Serpent Club,' a musician and philosopher. He represents harmony between reason and emotion, and his development is linked to the search for balance in life and art.