Plot summary
The novel is told primarily through the thoughts of Robert Jordan. Based on Hemingway's own experience, Robert Jordan is an American who travelled to Spain to assist the struggle against the forces of the Nationalist Generalísimo Francisco Franco.
Behind enemy lines with a guerrilla band led by a disillusioned Republican called Pablo, Robert Jordan meets María, a young Spanish native whose life has been shattered by the outbreak of the war. The strong sense of duty of Robert Jordan clashes with both Pablo's unwillingness to commit to a covert operation and his own newfound love of life caused by the presence of María.
The novel describes events which demonstrate the incredible brutality of civil war.
Characters
- Robert Jordan – American professor of Spanish language and a specialist in demolitions and explosives.
- Anselmo – elderly guide to Robert Jordan.
- Pablo – guerrilla leader.
- Rafael – Gitano member of Pablo's band.
- María – love of Robert Jordan.
- Pilar – Pablo's wife and temporary leader of Pablo's band.
- Agustín – member of Pablo's band.
- El Sordo – hearing-impaired leader of a near-by band of guerrilleros.
- Fernando – middle-aged member of Pablo's band.
- Andrés – member of Pablo's band, brother of Eladio.
- Eladio – member of Pablo's band, brother of Andrés.
- Primitivo – young member of Pablo's band.
- Joaquin – enthusiastic teenaged communist, member of Sordo's band.
