Catalina Torres

**Catalina Torres** is a fictional character in American writer Peter Stein's *Coral, Iron, & Silver*, serving as one of the protagonists.

## Biography & Character

Catalina was born into the Torres family of the Terceira Duchy. The atmosphere of her birth was violent and stormy, full of intrigue, betrayal, and murder. Her large family suffered infighting, and the ruling duke, Jorge, was notoriously incompetent and malleable. Catalina had to adapt to the hectic environment, wherein she frequently had to move around with her immediate family to safety. Her core of stability and conscience became the Church. The Coral priests and priestesses were the parental figures she never had. The rhythm of ritual always soothed her frayed nerves. And the light shining through the pink-tinged window panes empowered her sense of hope, a hope that was persecuted by her cruel milieu. She then delved into ritual and theology, dutifully and gladly praying, fasting, and studying. Catalina has never been one to go halfway. She devotes herself entirely to her pursuits, and almost nothing dissuades her, with the exception of Church teachings. A highly curious child, Catalina always had her head in a book. Although learning was inherently valuable for her, applicable and practical knowledge to help her reach her end reigned supreme, also given the dangerous court’s demands. Her knowledge and cunning was and still is her method for survival, for few can outwit her.

Throughout her youth, however, her unique situation damaged the formation of many lasting relationships. She had no friends, courtiers were coming and going, and her father died early, leaving her mother as the sole source of consistent human connection. Her lonely childhood combined with her callous side having been drawn out by the cold and harsh world around her leaves her struggling to form interpersonal relationships. Fasting has always been a unique challenge as well. The challenge for her is to not overdo them, considering her zealous and headstrong nature. She has fallen ill on occasion, but she manages to maintain benign, routine fasts. Constantly scheming out of both necessity and the thrill of out-maneuvering her enemies, Catalina is thoroughly conniving. However, she does possess a strict moral code stemming from her religion, yet few are aware considering her private nature.

Her lonely side bears interesting goals. If she can not bring herself to connect with others, she will mold others to be like her. An odd and deeply subconscious drive, her energetic spreading and revival of the Church would be her lateral method of personal connection. This way, Catalina can partake in sharing other peoples' thoughts, emotions, and actions, all centered on her beloved Church. It is an entirely selfish wish by its very nature, but not overtly malicious. Her means of attaining her religion’s primacy in the hearts and minds of others, however, are often questionable.

## Development & Inspiration

Stein has stated that he based Catalina primarily on Isabella of Castile and, to a lesser extent, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and also Stein's friend and ex-lover, Mercedes Araújo.

Stein intended for the story to have Catalina as the sole protagonist, but he soon scrapped the idea to instead have three. Some readers, however, argue that Silas is the fourth protagonist, despite his never receiving a point-of-view chapter. These readers point out his integral role in the story, which they say is so involved that the plot is most dependent upon his actions. Critics of this viewpoint challenge that the interconnectedness of the characters' arcs makes this causal relationship unclear. Stein has not weighed in on the matter.