Belmonte

For some reason, I feel for this guy! Here he is watching Romero capture the hearts and eyes of all spectating. Belmonte came out of retirement to try and accomplish what only Romero could do. "He had meant to have a great afternoon, and instead it was an afternoon of sneers, shouted insults... Sometimes he turned to smile that toothed, long-jawed, lipless smile when he was called something particularly insulting" (pg 218). I don't think Belmonte is trying to be rude by smiling back, but merely trying to push past not only the physical pain, but also the pain of once-fans shouting out him. However, the fact that he came back and sort of played the bull-fighting system by giving tragic sensations to those in the crowd makes me frown on his lack of honesty in the sport he once was an 'aficionado' in.
To me, he symbolizes all who have tried and failed to recapture passion for something whether it be hobbies, relationships, or careers only to be overshadowed by the more interesting of the age. He could also be those who look for the glory for themselves and have a hard time sharing the limelight. "Glory fades and all we're left with are the memories made."