Florentino Ariza

Living… in a small town somewhere in Colombia, near to the Magdalena River.

Profession… working at his uncle’s company, the River Company of the Carribean. He is determined to become successful, so that he can impress Fermina.

Interests… writing love letters. Florentino continually writes his childhood sweetheart, Fermina, love letters even though she isn’t interested. To cope, he used to smoke opium. Now, he uses sex as a replacement drug.

Relationship Status… utterly devoted to Fermina. He fell in love with her at first sight, and has never stopped pursuing her. Unfortunately, Fermina’s father did not approve of Florentino and broke up their blossoming relationship. She eventually married someone else. Although he has sex with almost any woman he encounters, Florentino at heart remains faithful to Fermina.

Challenge… winning Fermina’s heart and hand. When her father threatened to shoot him to make him go away, Florentino replied, “Shoot me. There is no greater glory than to die for love." Fermina keeps rejecting him, but he is willing to wait his entire life for her.

Personality… obsessed, neurotic, and romantic. Florentino would do anything for love, and his whole being revolves around his love for Fermina. This doesn’t prevent him from sleeping around, though, and making some very dubious choices.