Altisidora

Family: the duke and duchess's household · Role: damsel · First appears: Part 2, Ch. 44.3

In Part 2, Ch. 44, Altisidora, a damsel in the duke and duchess’s household, serenaded Don Quixote and declared her love: “ever since this stranger entered the castle and my eyes beheld him, I cannot sing but only weep”. Don Quixote rejected her, reaffirming that he belonged only to Dulcinea del Toboso. During the harmless trick arranged by the duchess and the duke, Altisidora bandaged Don Quixote’s wounds and told him that she adored him, while also wishing that Sancho Panza would neglect his penance. In Ch. 50, she joined the duchess in tormenting Don Quixote and flogging Doña Rodriguez.

On the day of departure in Ch. 57, Altisidora accused Don Quixote of jilt­ing her and stealing her kerchiefs and garters, then admitted that she was wearing the garters herself. After Don Quixote and Sancho Panza left the castle, free of her attentions, her declared passion still caused Don Quixote embarrassment rather than sympathy. In Ch. 69, her supposed death became part of another elaborate prank: Sancho Panza was made to endure smacks, pinches, and thrusts so that she could be restored, after which Altisidora revived and gave him six smocks.

In Ch. 70, Altisidora revealed that her death had been feigned—“I’m not the woman to let the black of my nail suffer for such a camel, much less die!”—and Don Quixote again refused her love, saying he was destined for Dulcinea del Toboso. The duchess then ordered Altisidora to occupy herself with needlework.