Character Relationship Map: Evita

Characters

• Eva Perón (played by Madonna) — protagonist

  The central protagonist who rises from a working-class background to become Argentina's iconic First Lady, a powerful political force, and a beloved symbol for the descamisados before dying of cancer...

• Ché (played by Antonio Banderas) — protagonist

  A critical observer and narrator who questions Eva's political impact, marvels at the national mourning, and ultimately acknowledges her profound historical influence at her funeral.

• Juan Perón (played by Jonathan Pryce) — supporting

  A populist military officer who leverages his working-class image and Eva's promotional skills to rise to the presidency, later grappling with her illness and death.

• Agustín Magaldi (played by Jimmy Nail) — supporting

  A touring tango singer who exploits a teenage Eva's infatuation, agrees to take her to Buenos Aires under blackmail, but ultimately abandons her upon arrival.

• Brother Juan (played by Julian Littman) — supporting

  A church officiant who physically restrains and carries young Eva out of the church, enforcing the official family's decision to exclude her and her mother.

• Perón's Mistress (played by Andrea Corr) — minor
• Juan Duarte Sr. (played by Ismael Osorio) — cameo

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Juan Perón → Perón's Mistress (Romantic Lover) — Perón's mistress is displaced when Eva enters his household.

  The plot describes Perón's very young mistress living at his home before Eva arrives.

• Eva Perón → Juan Perón (Family Wife) — Eva becomes Juan Perón's wife and First Lady.

  After Perón's election, the plot states that Perón marries Eva.

• Eva Perón → Agustín Magaldi (Romantic Lover) — Magaldi is Eva's early lover and avenue into Buenos Aires.

  At age fifteen, Eva has a liaison with touring tango singer Agustín Magaldi and uses the relationship to secure passage to Buenos Aires.

• Eva Perón → Juan Duarte Sr. (Family Daughter) — Eva is Juan Duarte Sr.'s daughter.

  The plot identifies Juan Duarte Sr. as Eva's father and shows Eva attempting to attend his funeral when she is a child.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Ché → Juan Perón (Narrative Political Commentator) — Ché observes the political system surrounding Perón and Eva.

  Ché's narration examines Eva's role in Perón's rise and the broader Perónist spectacle.

• Eva Perón → Perón's Mistress (Conflict Rival) — Eva removes Perón's existing romantic companion.

  Eva accompanies Perón home and ruthlessly evicts his very young mistress.

• Eva Perón → Brother Juan (Conflict Adversary) — Brother Juan enforces Eva's exclusion from her father's funeral.

  Brother Juan physically carries young Eva out of the church when her father's official family excludes Eva and her mother from the funeral.

• Ché → Eva Perón (Narrative Critical Narrator) — Ché narrates and questions Eva's public legacy.

  Ché comments on Eva's funeral, promises to show how she did 'nothing for years,' and later reflects on her influence at her coffin.

Story Analysis

Eva Perón rises from social exclusion to political power and becomes an enduring public symbol before her early death.

Plot Progression

1. A Child Outside the Funeral — The film begins with Eva's death and national mourning, then contrasts her state funeral with the exclusion she experienced at her father's funeral. This establishes the gap between her humble origins...
2. A Suitcase to Buenos Aires — Teenage Eva uses her liaison with Magaldi to reach Buenos Aires, but he abandons her. She responds by building a career in modeling, acting, and radio.
3. The Rise of Perón — Eva meets Juan Perón and becomes a force behind his populist rise. Her broadcasts help generate the pressure that secures his release and supports his presidential victory.
4. The First Lady's Spotlight — As First Lady, Eva enjoys privilege, tours Europe, and establishes a foundation for the poor. Public adoration coexists with political hostility and signs of physical decline.
5. The Brightest Fire Extinguished — Eva learns she has terminal cancer, rejects the vice presidency, and makes a final broadcast. Her death at Unzué Palace leads to another immense public mourning and Ché's final reflection.