Who is General Hurtado from The Wine-dark Sea and what is their importance? The_Wine-Dark_Sea English & Literature General Hurtado | The Wine-dark Sea

General Hurtado is a local dignitary of considerable influence and some avarice. He is not physically described, and in the narrative he is frequently alluded to as the most significant factor in any local movement for independence. He places an inordinate value on his genealogical pedigree, is quite haughty, and is estranged from the Spanish monarchy for a minor slight on his honor—having once been referred to in a letter as a relative instead of as a cousin. He enjoys military pomp and circumstance but is known as honest. He is a Knight of Malta. During the planning phases, Maturin and Hurtado become close associates. In the end, however, Hurtado withdraws his support of the planned rebellion, causing the enterprise to fizzle, because of Dutourd's vocal vituperation of Maturin.