PantaleĆ³n Pantoja is a career officer in the Peruvian Army. Pantoja lives with his wife, Pocha, and his mother, Leonor. Both women dote on Captain Pantoja and he enjoys his traditional role as head of the household and sole provider. During the course of the narrative, Pantoja and his wife have a daughter named Gladys. Pantoja is a by-the-book soldier who never questions his superiors. Much to his credit, he can always be called upon to complete an assignment on time and to the glowing satisfaction of his superiors. Very much a "company man" type, Pantoja's self-effacing demeanor is often mistaken for gullibility. PantaleĆ³n Pantoja is something of a prude.