Simoun (Major Character)

Crisostomo Ibarra, believed to be dead at the end of Noli Me Tangere, made his fortune abroad and returns to the Philippines as the wealthy jeweller, Simoun, disguised with a beard and tinted glasses. His sufferings, related in the first novel, have motivated him to take his revenge. Hence he becomes a rebel, the titular "filibustero". While he appears to side with the wealthy and influential in society, his motivation is actually to encourage them to abuse the masses who would then be driven to revolt by increasing abuses. Whereas he once sought reform and education, he now resorts to subterfuge and violence.