Who is Concetta in The Leopard?

Concetta Salina is a significant character in Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's novel, The Leopard. She is the second-oldest daughter of Prince Fabrizio Salina and Princess Maria Stella.

Key Aspects of Concetta's Character

Concetta plays a crucial role in the Salina family dynamics, particularly in her relationship with her father and her unrequited love.

Family Role and Status

• Second-oldest daughter: Positioned within the large Salina household, she is one of several children, but distinct in her father's eyes.
• Prince's favorite daughter: Of all his girls, Concetta holds a special place in the Prince's affections, indicating a unique bond and perhaps higher expectations placed upon her.
• King Ferdinand's goddaughter: This connection to royalty further elevates her status and signifies her importance within the aristocratic circles of Sicily.

Personality Traits

Concetta's personality is marked by a blend of deference and strong will:

• Submissive toward her father: She often defers to the Prince's authority and wishes, reflecting the traditional patriarchal structures of the time.
• Capable of great stubbornness: Despite her submissive tendencies, Concetta possesses an underlying strength and can exhibit significant stubbornness when deeply held beliefs or desires are challenged.

Romantic Involvement

Concetta's most notable personal struggle revolves around her romantic feelings:

• In love with her cousin, Tancredi: She harbors deep affection for her charming and ambitious cousin, Tancredi Falconeri. This unreciprocated love forms a poignant subplot, as Tancredi ultimately pursues a more advantageous marriage, leaving Concetta heartbroken.

Summary of Concetta's Attributes

Concetta embodies the traditional aristocratic woman of her time, navigating societal expectations while grappling with personal desires and the changing world around her.