Chronicle of a Death Foretold - Summary

Overview

"Chronicle of a Death Foretold," a novel by Gabriel García Márquez, is a compelling, non-linear story about the murder of Santiago Nasar, a man accused of dishonoring Angela Vicario. Set in a small Colombian town, the novel intricately explores the themes of honor, fate, and societal norms through the events leading up to and following the murder.

Key Characters

• Santiago Nasar: The protagonist, whose murder the entire town anticipates.
• Angela Vicario: The dishonored bride whose brothers kill Santiago in a quest for familial honor.
• Bayardo San Roman: Angela's suitor and eventual husband, who returns her upon discovering she's not a virgin.
• Plácida Linero: Santiago’s mother, an interpreter of dreams, who fails to see the ominous signs in her son's dreams.

Plot Points

1. Santiago's Final Day: The story opens on the day Santiago Nasar is to be murdered. He wakes from dreams of trees, a recurring theme in his dreams, but fails to recognize any omen in them​【oaicite:6】​.
2. Preparation for the Bishop's Visit: Santiago dresses in unstarched white linen, attire reserved for special occasions like the bishop's anticipated arrival​【oaicite:5】​.
3. Bayardo San Roman's Arrival: Bayardo, a man of about thirty with a notable presence, arrives in town and quickly becomes the subject of fascination. He is described as having a sad demeanor despite his social charm​【oaicite:4】​.
4. Angela Vicario: The youngest of a family with limited resources, Angela is portrayed as a woman of beauty but diminishing prospects. Her life revolves around domestic skills and conforming to societal expectations​【oaicite:3】​.
5. Angela's Marriage and Its Aftermath: Angela is married to Bayardo, but on their wedding night, he discovers she is not a virgin and returns her to her family. This act disgraces her and triggers the events leading to Santiago's murder​【oaicite:2】​.
6. Santiago's Ignorance of the Plot: Santiago, seemingly unaware of the accusations against him, spends time at the wedding festivities without any indication of the impending danger​【oaicite:1】​.
7. Conclusion of the Festivities: The wedding celebration ends in the afternoon, marked by the departure of the guests of honor and leaving the town in a state of transitory disarray​【oaicite:0】​.