What are examples of greed, dishonesty, and virtue in The King's Fifth?

Captain Mendoza is portrayed as the epitome of a greedy man. All he thinks about is gold, and he doesn't bat an eye when it comes to stealing from the people of Tawhi. Sadly, after Mendoza's death, Esteban not only takes his place..... he becomes greedy as well.

Mendoza is also dishonest. When he and his men arrive in Tawhi, they lead the chief to believe they are there to trade for gold. He then lies to the chief again, telling him that he is going to leave the city to pick up supplies and return with trading materials. In actuality, he is merely preparing to steal the gold from the bottom of the lake..... a plan that they accomplish shortly thereafter.

In the novel's conclusion, Esteban redeems his character when he virtuously disposes of the gold in a crater. His act is virtuous in that he rethought his actions, even though he knew he'd be punished when he returned to Vera Cruz. Esteban is sentenced to three years in jail.