Fernando Pessoa

Fernando António Nogueira Pessoa (June 13, 1888 - November 30, 1935) was born in Lisbon and is seen by many as the greatest modern Portuguese author.

Genesis of Heteronyms

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pessoa's earliest heteronyms were Charles Robert Anon and Alexander Search; these were eventually succeeded by others, among them: Alberto Caeiro, Alvaro de Campos, Ricardo Reis, Bernardo Soares. The heteronyms possess distinct temperaments, philosophies, appearances, writing styles. According to Pessoa the heteronym closest to his personality was Bernardo Soares, the author of Book of Disquiet. Indeed he considered Soares a "semi-heteronym." The three most important heteronyms are the poets Alberto Caeiro, Alvaro de Campos and Ricardo Reis. Here is Pessoa on his major heteronyms:For a more comprehensive discussion of the genesis of the heteronyms see: Genesis of Heteronyms

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~