Picnic
on the Battlefield (Pique-nique en campagne) — 1958
by Fernando Arrabal: List of Characters
1. Zapo – A
young soldier serving in the army. He is stationed on the battlefield and is
expected to fight the enemy, but he is not presented as a heroic or
enthusiastic warrior. His parents unexpectedly visit him and turn his military
post into the setting for a family picnic.
2. Mr.
Tepán – Zapo’s father. He comes to the battlefield with his
wife to visit their son. He behaves casually and treats the dangerous
battlefield almost like an ordinary place for a family outing.
3. Mrs.
Tepán – Zapo’s mother. She accompanies her husband to visit
Zapo and brings food for the picnic. Her cheerful, domestic behavior
contributes greatly to the play’s strange and comic atmosphere.
4. Zepo –
An enemy soldier who encounters Zapo and the Tepán family. Although Zapo and
Zepo are officially enemies, their interaction reveals their similarities as
ordinary human beings. His presence becomes central to the play’s exploration
of the relationship between enemies.
5. The
General – A military authority who represents the larger system
of war and military discipline. His presence contrasts with the temporary
peaceful atmosphere created by the picnic and reminds the characters that they
remain part of the war.
6. The
Nurse – A minor character associated with the military
environment and the consequences of the conflict. She contributes to the play’s
unusual mixture of ordinary and disturbing elements.
Major
Characters
The
principal characters are Zapo, Mr. Tepán, Mrs. Tepán, and Zepo. Their
interactions form the central action of the play, while the General and
Nurse have supporting roles in the development of the dramatic situation.
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