Basilio (Major Character)

Taking to heart the advice of the dying boatman Elias to study at the end of Noli Me Tangere, he went to Manila after burying his mother. There, he was taken in by Capitan Tiago and was able to go to San Juan de Letran. Though a diligent student, he failed to please his teachers, who were affronted by the efforts of a poor native to improve his status in life. His situation in the school improved when his skill in a fencing match impressed one of his teachers. Having high grades, he was encouraged by Capitan Tiago to move to Ateneo, where the teachers were more enlightened and encouraging. While there he pursued a medical degree and became involved in a movement of some students, headed by Isagani, to set up a school for the teaching of Spanish to natives. At the time of Simoun's arrival, he is looking forward to graduating as valedictorian then marrying his childhood sweetheart, Juliana.