The story happens in Fuenteovejuna, a small village located in Ciudad Real, in the south of Castilla – La Mancha, Spain, in 1476.
The Commander of Fuenteovejuna, Fernán Gómez de Guzmán, represents power and injustice, abusing his position to constantly humiliate the villagers and harm the women of the town.
One of the women he harms is Jacinta.
Jacinta represents vulnerable and defenseless people.
Esteban is the mayor and represents justice and loyalty.
Laurencia is the mayor’s daughter. She represents strength and honor.
Frondoso is Laurencia’s groom to be and represents bravery.
At their wedding, the Commander tries to harm Laurencia.
When the Commander tried to abuse his power with her again,
Laurencia unites the village against him.
They decide to kill the Commander because of his continuous unfairness.
Flores and Ortuño are the Commander’s servants.
At first, they try to be loyal to him, but later they help to show his evil deeds and abuse of power.
They kill the Commander. After, the Catholic Kings send a judge.
The judge must find the guilty person.
But the village stays united and always says the same thing: “Fuenteovejuna did it.”
It is impossible to find one guilty person, so the Catholic Kings forgive the village.
At the end, Laurencia does not receive a formal or material reward at the end of the play. However, her courage and leadership in the rebellion against the Commander are recognized by the people.
