Alberto Marqués

Source
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      "The Marquess" is a combination of Cuban artists who were persecuted for their work or personal beliefs during this time. In the book, he is described as an aged homosexual man with few strands of hair, lanky body build, and an arrogant and superfluous attitude. We get a sense of his dramatic attitude on page 34, where he and the Count are first talking about the transvestite. When Conde expresses that he wants to be called Lieutenant Mario Conde instead of Mr Policeman, The Marquess responded with "Mr Policeman  Lieutenant Mario Conde." This is one example of how The Marquess intentionally trys to provoke Conde, but as the two continue their dialogue we see The Marquess beginning to trust Conde, revealing more with each visit.



     
      The Marquess doesn't give Conde a direct answer most times, which can be frustrating for any detective. He isn't all smoke and mirrors, however. Without him, Mario would not have been able to get as far as he did in the investigation. Through the Marquess's stories, hints, and conversations, Mario was able to determine who murdered Alexis and why he was dressed in such fashion. It is the Marquess who states that Alexis was not a transvestite, which helps support Condes theory of the Transfiguration. The Marquess is also responsible for giving the detective The Face and The Mask, a book written by one of The Marquess's old friend and one time lover. He also give's the detective Alexis's Bible, where Mario sees that the pages describing the transfiguration are missing.

Source: Wiki Commons

We also see Conde start to take a liking to The Marquess and his homosexual and transvestite experiences. Through the Marquess, Conde is able to see a life he never thought possible, even finding a woman to sleep with at the transvestites party. At the end of the book, Mario even gives him a copy of what he is writing and wants his honest opinion. This shows that Mario respects this man, both as a friend and an intellectual. Mario is still uncomfortable with The Marquess's homosexuality, but we can see them form a bond through the investigation and literature. I would not be surprised if Mario pays him more visits in the future to discuss more about The Marquess's world, and the many books he has in his library.