Kapitan Tiago, was a typical figure during the time of Rizal. He is a rich native-born Pilipino who rubbed elbows with the powers that be during that time. He symbolizes the rich Pilipinos who oppress their fellow Pilipinos in exchange for the influence and the riches that they might gain from their powerful associations. "Kapitan Tiago" actually is a fusion of two persons during Rizal's time. The first half was Hilario Sunico - renowned 19th century bell-caster, metal smith and became the Gobernadorcillo of China Town (Binondo), while the other half was Balbino Mauricio, one of the three Pilipinos (Jose Maria Basa and Manuel Yriarte were the other two) who welcomed him in Hong Kong.

1. AC PT NA I
TIAGO
Capitán Santiago de los Santos

2. Capitan Tiago is described as a short, fat man
with clear complexion
He looks young; around his mid-30's
Popular for his excessive chewing
of tobacco and buyo
In the beginning of the novel

3. He is depicted as a small, bent
man with jaundiced skin.
In the end of the story,
He becomes thin and had stained,
dirty fingernails
He uses a cane to support himself
and loiters at a Chinese shop in
Calle Sto. Cristo but goes to the
public opium smoking room at
night

5. CHARACTER DESCRIPTION
Capitan Tiago is one of the
affluent landlords
of Binondo and owned vast
tracts of farm lands
in Pampanga and Laguna

6. CHARACTER DESCRIPTION
Capitan Tiago also had
businesses
One of these
businesses is the
opium monopoly with
the Chinese

7. Capitan Tiago was also religious
His most favorite was the Lady
of Peace and Prosperous
Voyages which he would visit,
especially the batis where she is
said to have taken baths

8. Role in the novel
he was a son of a
miser, Malabon suga
r-planter
married to Doña
Pia Alba

9. Role in the novel
 he was the
foster father of
Maria Clara

10. Symbolism
He symbolizes the rich Filipinos who oppress
their fellow countrymen in exchange for the
influence and the riches that they might gain
from their powerful associations.