Alexandro Character Analysis

A Portuguese nobleman. After the war with Spain, Alexandro returns to Portugal, where Villuppo, a fellow nobleman, accuses him of shooting Balthazar, the Viceroy of Portugal’s son, in the back during battle. Balthazar isn’t dead—he was taken prisoner by Horatio and is in Spain—but the viceroy doesn’t know this and fears his son is dead. The viceroy orders Alexandro imprisoned until Balthazar’s death can be confirmed, and once Balthazar is found alive and well in Spain, Alexandro is released with an apology and a public reward. The character of Alexandro and the false accusation made by Villuppo again underscores betrayal within the play, but he also illustrates the privilege of nobles and the upper class in 16th-century society. Alexandro, a nobleman, isn’t immediately executed for his crime; however, Pedringano, a servant of the lower class, is promptly hanged after being accused of murder.