Content Warning: This section of the guide describes and discusses the novella’s racist and inaccurate portrayal of Romani people and culture, which includes racist slurs. The novella also includes other instances of racism and exoticism, as well as depictions of domestic violence against women cumulating in murder.

Don José was born in the Basque region of Spain as José Lizzarrabengoa. The title “Don” is similar to the English appellation of “Lord,” and indicates that he comes from a noble family. He is also known as José Navarro, with “Navarro” meaning “from Navarre.” He is the novella’s primary protagonist. Chapter 3 focuses entirely on his recollection of the events leading to his murdering Carmen and giving himself up to the authorities for execution.

Over the course of the third chapter, Don José falls from a position of wealth, happiness, and privilege—his life as a rich Basque nobleman in his hometown— to a state of disgrace and powerlessness as he awaits his execution. During his life he is both the beneficiary and victim of Power Imbalances in Relationships and Society. His decline in fortunes mimics a traditional Greek tragedy; his hardships result from his own fatal flaw, or “hamartia,” his excessive passion and the violence he commits as a result.