Don Fernando

Also known as: Fernando / the gentleman with the veil · Role: nobleman · First appears: Part 1, Ch. 23.3

Don Fernando, the duke’s second son, first appears at Sierra Morena through Cardenio’s accusation that he had grievously wronged and betrayed him. Earlier, however, he had made Cardenio an intimate friend, confiding his love for a peasant girl and pledging to marry her, before deceiving him about his departure, secretly reading his correspondence with Luscinda, and using his trust to separate him from her. He then became enamored of Luscinda, offered to arrange her marriage to Cardenio while secretly plotting against him, sent him away under false pretences, and secured Luscinda’s betrothal and marriage ceremony for himself.

In Andalusia, Don Fernando pursued Dorothea despite her refusal, entered her locked chamber, and pledged to marry her before breaking that promise. He left her with a ring, then was reported to have married Luscinda; when Luscinda declared that she was already Cardenio’s bride, he tried to stab her, but those present prevented it. Cardenio nevertheless undertook to restore Dorothea to him, and at the inn the concealed identities were revealed: Dorothea claimed him as her husband, while Luscinda rejected him for Cardenio. Don Fernando yielded to Dorothea’s claim—“Thou hast conquered, fair Dorothea, thou hast conquered”—released Luscinda, accepted her union with Cardenio, and embraced them with affection, though he and his companions later carried Luscinda away from the convent.

Afterward, Don Fernando lived with Dorothea and supported the plans surrounding Don Quixote. He insisted that Dorothea continue her disguise, volunteered to travel as far as necessary to help bring Don Quixote home, asked the captive to tell his life story, helped settle disputes, paid the innkeeper’s account, and supported Don Luis’s arrangements. He also promised the curate news of his marriage and of Luscinda’s return home, while offering the captive assistance in returning to his country.