Don Quixote, a character who has read numerous books on chivalry, imagines himself to be a knight-errant and is determined to solve worldly problems. However, his efforts often lead to further complications. Accompanying him is his neighbor Sancho Panza, who becomes his squire or personal attendant. Sancho Panza, an illiterate laborer, aspires to become the governor of an island in exchange for assisting Don Quixote on his adventures. Initially, Sancho is timid in nature.
Sancho gradually becomes more talkative, filled with proverbs, and a believer in Don Quixote’s madness as the story progresses. He also serves as the jester or the gracioso character in Spanish comedy. Despite being illiterate, Sancho takes pride in it and brings humor to the novel. As a realist, he is a crude peasant but remains a loyal companion to Don Quixote. Another term for Sancho is sidekick, accompanying Quixote and providing a voice of reason to his idealistic thoughts. In the beginning, Quixote and Sancho are complete opposites.
Sancho plays the role of sidekick in hopes of gaining wealth, while Quixote is enthralled by the romance depicted in his chivalric readings. Quixote yearns to bring to life the world he has long fantasized about, where chivalry reigns and battles against giants and evil knights take place, with virtuous maidens in need of rescue. However, instead of fulfilling these dreams, Don Quixote’s endeavors involve windmills, bedclothes, and a great deal of disappointment. Along his journey, he acquires a companion in Sancho, who assists Don Quixote with the aim of attaining riches. This duo has entertained readers for centuries with their amusing yet profound chivalric tales.
At the conclusion of the novel, Sancho develops a strong affection for Quixote. At first, Sancho had agreed to be Quixote’s squire with the expectation of receiving a generous reward. However, as the story progresses, Sancho faithfully serves Quixote without any form of compensation. Their bond grows significantly stronger. Ultimately, when Quixote regains his sanity, Sancho longs for the return of his imaginative companion. As Quixote approaches his final moments of life, Sancho attempts to uplift his spirits.
