Don Crisóstomo Ibarra is the son of Don Rafael, one of San Diego’s most well-respected men. His father sent him to Europe to become more cultured and educated. Ibarra is liked by most of the elite members of the town, with the exception of Father Dámaso and Salví. Dámaso sees in Ibarra the growing movement toward progressive politics, a symptom of his European education. As a representation of ideals such as human rights, Ibarra threatens the power and influence of the church. His progressivism is evident in his push to build a school and response to the beatings of common people. Ibarra recognizes the flaws of the authoritative state. As a man of both Spanish and Filipino descent, he is at home with both the ruling class and the Indigenous population. This wide appeal also threatens the established order.

Ibarra is an idealist whose outlook on humanity might seem naive at times, but it is only because the reader knows more about Dámaso and Salví’s malice than he does. He believes humans are inherently good, and that ultimately, good will prevail over evil. He is honorable, refusing offers to gamble and attend cockfights in order to focus on issues important to him.