Don Santiago Delos Santos

Real Name: His full name is Don Santiago Delos Santos, but he is more commonly referred to
as Capitan Tiago/Tyago.

Background in the novel:

He is portrayed as a Filipino who has risen to a position of prominence and wealth

through his businesses and connections. He is the only son of a wealthy trader in
Malabon.
He is known for hosting elaborate social gatherings and parties in his home, which are
attended by various characters from different social strata.
Due to his mother’s cruelty, Capitan Tiago did not attain any formal education.
He became a servant of a Dominican priest. When the priest and his father died, Capitan
Tiago decided to assist in the family business of trading before he met his wife Dona Pia
Alba, Who came from another wealthy family.
Because of their consistent devotion to Santa Clara in Obando, they were given a
daughter who shared same features as Padre Damaso, Who is Maria Clara.
He is concerned with making sure his daughter, María Clara, marries an affluent man
with ample social capital, which is one of the reasons he so quickly abandons his
support of Ibarra when the friars disgrace the young man’s name.

Representation and equivalent in modern day:

His character symbolizes the rich Filipinos who oppress their fellow Filipinos in
exchange for the influence and the riches that they might gain from their
powerful associations. His character represents the economic disparity between the
Filipino elite and the impoverished masses also his character highlights the internal
conflicts and dilemmas faced by those who benefited from the colonial system but were
also affected by its injustices.
Capitan Tiago's character serves as a reflection of the complexities faced by individuals
in positions of influence and affluence during a challenging historical period, and his
representation continues to resonate with themes of power, identity, and social
responsibility in the modern world.