Sven Nagel is a knight in shining armor.

Prowess, energy, commitment, all these characteristics and more could be definitive of a classic film hero, however, while Don Pedro shares those qualities with the champions of the silver screen, he must be set aside as a cautionary tale. Don Pedro is the embodiment of the elite in what the Nazi determined to be a backward and misguided society. His emotionally charged good intentions are subverted by a lack of logic, reason, and scientific understanding. Through the vehicle of the “European scientists” he may have had the opportunity to become the type of hero we initially perceive him to be at the beginning of the movie. He is a troubled figure and the way Sierk shoots him would lead the audience to believe as much. Shots of Don Pedro with his hair glistening, eyes narrowed, and immersed in shadow would certainly make him appear to be a dubious character. He does seem to have some redeeming qualities, for example his zeal for tradition (something the Nazis would respect), but, his flaws, which are demonstrative of a “lower level” society set him up to be juxtaposed against the real hero Sven Nagel.

Nagel, upon initial introduction seems hardly a rival for a man of such stature as Don Pedro. However, Don Pedro’s charm and good looks only get him so far. Sven is presented as a superior opponent and the true hero of the story. Nagel is the personification of how the Nazis wanted to be perceived by the rest of the world. He is a logical man, he is a caring, and he benevolently yearns to bring the benefits of “true” European science to help less developed nations. Moreover, coupled with his Nazi characterization is a traditional moral conviction to rescue a “Damsel in Distress” and whisk her back to the white slopes of Sweden. He is the champion of not only the health and well being of the island, but of the beautiful Nordic woman who longs for her homeland. Like Don Pedro he too has conviction, energy, and passion, but unlike his Costa Rican counterpart Sven understands how to apply those motivating emotions to the benefit of those around him. Sven is a wholesome and proud Nordic man; he clearly would be an ideal father for little Juan (you must be joking me with that casting of a Hitler youth). Again, Don Pedro comes up short in comparison by hardly showing any affection for the boy. Ultimately, Sven must be the hero of the story, because it would hardly make sense for the feudal lord of a backward society to beat a Swedish man.