Coronado, Jmy Rose J.

BSN-2A

Story: Dead Stars by Paz Marquez-Benitez

Characters:
 Alfredo Salazar- son of Don Julian, Engaged to Esperanza but had an affair with Julia
Salas
 Esperanza – fiancé of Alfredo Salazar.
 Julia Salas- sister-in-law of Judge Del Valle and the woman who’s Alfredo Salazar had
an affair with.
 Judge Del Valle- brother-in-law of Julia Salas.
 Don Julian- father of Alfredo Salazar and Carmen.
 Carmen- sister of Alfredo Salazar.
 Vicente- husband of Carmen.
 Donna Adella- sister of Julia Salas.
 Dionisio- Husband of Dona Adella.
 Brigida Samuy- a mysterious woman
 Calixta- note-carrier of Alfredo Salazar and Esperanza.
Settings:
 Calle Real
 Calle Luz
 House of Don Julian
 House of Judge Del Valle
 Church of Our Lady of Sorrow
Plot:
Exposition: Alfredo was reflecting on his experiences way back, when he met the innocent and
naïve Julia Salas from whom he found what he is lacking, despite being engaged to Esperanza.
When he comes across Julia Salas, sister-in-law of the Judge who is a friend of Alfredo’s father.
He is strongly attracted to her. He found a woman with optimistic attitude, full of dreams and
charm in Julia.
Rising Action: On his visit with his father, he starts engaging in chats with Julia and starts
getting attracted to her charm, wit and passion. He did not disclosed the truth about his
engagement to Esperanza.
Climax: Julia already learned about Alfredo’s lies when she came to a dinner. Esperanza was
there and even congratulated their engagement. Alfredo and Esperanza had an argument and
reveals she knew about Julia and Alfredo all along, and made him choose whether to call off or
continue the engagement.
Falling Action: Alfredo chose to continue the wedding and it goes as it has planned, and had
settles life with Esperanza.
Denouement: As fate would have it, he is sent on some work duty to a place near Julia’s
hometown. They found each other again but they found out to themselves that their old feelings
had already vanished, and they accepted it.

Mood: It is romantic, as it portrayed scenes of how people can love in different ways. It is also
reflective, as it will make us question ourselves what would we do if we were on the same
situation, and how life works based on that choice.
Moral: Love can sometimes make us destructive in times and we will only realize our faults if
we face the truth. Life works in such ways that may force us to certain decisions that is way far
our dreams in mind, and we have to accept it and surely sooner or later, it will just become a
memory that will still make you glad because you have experienced it.

If you were Alfredo what decision will you make aside from the one that is already given in the
end of the story?
If I would be him, maybe I’ll pursue my love for Julia, but I will deal with my own peace
of mind by having closure with Esperanza first. Or most likely, I will deal with myself first, have
a good time alone, and critically think what will be the best for me and for them. There will be a
certain time when I will be ready, it doesn’t need to rush. Because if there’s someone who will
complete you and give you sincere happiness, that isn’t another person. It’s yourself.