The Book of Life

San Angel is a city in Mexico, in the Land of the Living, where its inhabitants are born, raised, and live. The guitar-shaped city floats in the middle of a lake in the Land of the Living. It is the center of the universe, located directly above the Land of Memories and the Land of Forgetfulness.

Personality. The Jackal is a dangerous bandit king, ruthless, cruel, and power-hungry. He will stop at nothing until he gets what he considers his. After losing the Medal of Eternal Life, he lost his mind and became a threat to everyone around him. Appearance. A tall giant with muscular arms, thin, short, barrel-shaped legs, large hands, and a perpetually angry, sullen expression. Sticks of potent dynamite and high-explosive bombs are strapped to his chest, and animal skulls and a large woven sombrero hang from his shoulders. Goals. The Jackal seeks to find the Medal of Eternal Life, which he once received from Xibalba and which made him invincible. He wants to retrieve the medal to regain his full invulnerability. He also seeks to destroy Manolo, Maria, Joaquin, and anyone who stands in his way.

Carlos Sanchez is a widower, Carmen's husband, and Manolo's father. A stern, courageous, and brave bullfighter, he wants Manolo to continue the family tradition. He disapproves of his dream of music. Later, he realizes his mistake and apologizes to Manolo. Carmen Sánchez (née Rivera) is Carlos's late wife and Manolo's mother. A kind, strong, and caring woman who deeply loves her family, she didn't want Manolo to become a bullfighter because it was dangerous. After her death, she appears as a white skeletal skullcap in the Land of Memories. Anita Sanchez was Manolo's great-grandmother, Luis Sanchez's mother, and Carlos's grandmother. She often knitted in her wheelchair and supported Manolo's dream of becoming a musician. She died at the age of 107 due to cholesterol problems. Luis Sanchez is Manolo's grandfather. He is mentioned in the family tree. Jorge Sanchez is one of Manolo's ancestors whom he meets in the afterlife. Adelita and Scardelita Sanchez are Manolo's late cousins. Carmelo Sanchez - One of Manolo's ancestors. Mentioned as the progenitor of the Sanchez family. A bit silly.

The Candlemaker. A benevolent immortal being from the Book of Life who watches over the lives and stories of the living through candles and the title book. Cheerful, easy-going, and eccentric, he always strives to follow the rules, as he is responsible for maintaining the balance between the Land of the Unforgotten and the Land of the Forgotten.

Xibalba. Ruler of the Land of the Forgotten and husband of Katrina. A cunning trickster who gives Joaquin a medal granting invincibility so he can win Maria's heart, thus making Xibalba the winner of the bet. Not exactly evil, but rather mischievous, and, unlike Katrina, doesn't believe there's any good left in humanity.

Catrina (Santa Muerte) Ruler of the Land of the Unforgotten and wife of Xibalba. She and her ex-husband make a bet to win Maria's heart. Catrina chooses Manolo after he shows his kindness by giving her a piece of bread when she approaches him disguised as an old woman. A generous goddess, she believes in the purity of humanity but does not tolerate cheaters.

Joaquin Mondragon Jr., Manolo and Maria's best friend, also harbors feelings for Maria. Thanks to a medal given to him by Xibalba as a child, Joaquin becomes the town's hero because he cannot be harmed.

Maria Posada. Manolo and Joaquin's best friend and love interest. A compassionate, energetic, and rebellious character. Although she finds herself caught up in a dispute between deities over who will win her heart, Maria is no damsel in distress—she knows how to defend herself and always stands up for herself.

Manolo Sanchez. The protagonist, a bullfighter whose true passion is music. He comes from a family of bullfighters, but his father, Carlos, suppresses his musical aspirations. Kind and brave, yet insecure, he cares deeply for his family and friends. After he is killed, Manolo travels to the Land of Memories, where he must undergo a trial to return to the Land of the Living.