El filibusterismo, also known by its alternative English title The Reign of Greed,[1] is

the second novel written by Philippine national hero José Rizal. It is the sequel to
Noli Me Tángere and, like the first book, was written in Spanish. It was first published
in 1891 in Ghent.
The novel centers on the Noli-El fili duology's main character Crisóstomo Ibarra, now
returning for vengeance as "Simoun". The novel's dark theme departs dramatically
from the previous novel's hopeful and romantic atmosphere, signifying Ibarra's resort
to solving his country's issues through violent means, after his previous attempt in
reforming the country's system made no effect and seemed impossible with the
corrupt attitude of the Spaniards toward the Filipinos.

1. Simoun
Simoun, the alter ego of Crisostomo Ibarra from Noli Me Tangere, is a wealthy
jeweler who disguises himself after being presumed dead. With his tanned skin,
sparse beard, long white hair, and blue-tinted glasses, he’s a mysterious and
sometimes confrontational figure. Although he appears arrogant, he secretly plans a
violent revolution to avenge his past and accelerate Elias’ reformist goals.
Simoun symbolizes revolutionaries who advocated for a bloody revolt against the
Spanish government, but his death in El Filibusterismo shows Rizal’s disapproval of
armed rebellion.

2. Basilio
Basilio, the son of Sisa from Noli Me Tangere, is a hardworking student on the verge
of earning his medical degree. As Captain Tiago’s protege, he dreams of a better
future through education. Despite his success, he remains indifferent to society’s
needs.
Basilio represents the youth striving for personal advancement but lacking social
awareness.

3. Isagani
Isagani, Basilio’s friend and aspiring poet, is the passionate and idealistic nephew of
Father Florentino. He values his principles above all else, even when it costs him his
relationship with his girlfriend, Paulita Gomez.
Isagani embodies the youth with great love for their country, willing to stand up for
their beliefs.

4. Father Florentino
Father Florentino, Isagani’s uncle and a retired priest, is a respected figure despite
his past romantic entanglements.
Having chosen priesthood over love, he represents the secular Filipino priests of
Rizal’s time. His character also emphasizes Rizal’s opposition to a bloody revolt.

5. Ben-Zayb
A patriotic and jingoistic journalist, Ben-Zayb writes for the Manila Spanish
newspaper El Grito de la Integridad under the pen name Ybañez. He is
unscrupulous in his storytelling, often distorting facts to make stories more
appealing.
Ben-Zayb represents the corrupted media of his time.

8. Capitan Tiago
Don Santiago de los Santos, Maria Clara’s father, is a wealthy landowner with
properties in Pampanga, Binondo, and Laguna. Despite his wealth, he falls into
depression after Maria enters the convent, leading him to develop an opium
addiction, fueled by his association with Padre Irene.Capitan Tiago hires Basilio as a
servant-student, who eventually becomes his caregiver and estate manager. He dies
from shock after hearing of Basilio’s arrest and tales of violent revolt.

9. Captain-General
The highest-ranking official in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period, the
Captain-General is Simoun’s friend and confidant. He is driven by an insatiable lust