How would one describe Montresor's character in "The Cask of Amontillado"?

The easiest
way to describe Montresor would be as vengeful, single-minded, and unforgiving. We know from the
very beginning of the story that he is intent on exacting revenge for the injuries and
insults of Fortunato, and that he is patient, willing to wait at length for an opportunity
to arise to allow him to achieve his end. He does not once waver in his plan to murder
Fortunato, hesitating only once as he is bricking up the recess in which Fortunato is chained;
and even then he hesitates not out of indecision, but out of fear that Fortunato has escaped his
bindings. And consider the Montresor familys motto: Nemo me impune
lacessitno one attacks me with impunity. Here we have confirmation that the man is
vengeful, and learn that this vengeance is rooted in his familys values and history. The man is
proudhe comes, after all, from a great and numerous family, with a reputation that he is
burdened with upholding.

Given Montresors unerring performance in tricking
Fortunato into his cellar and his chosen method of murdering his friend, we can confidently
say that Montresor is a creative man, and clever. His tactics involve a good amount of knowledge
about his acquaintanceshe knows that Fortunato, a quack in many ways, is a genuine connoisseur
of wine, and that he believes Luchresi to be an ignoramus who cannot tell Amontillado from
Sherry. Montresor plays off of Fortunatos own biases and pride to lure him deeper and deeper
into his trap, until there is no escape. The fact that Fortunato is led very deep into
Montresors cellar without having any doubts or suspicions about the events at hand is testament
to Montresors acting abilitiesall this time, harboring the most sinister of intentions, he
manages to disarm Fortunato and maintain a friendly demeanor. Also, we know that Montresor is
never punished for his crime, which indicates that he feels little to no guilt, and that he has
a very strong command of his emotions, such that he can keep his secret and raise no suspicions
for decades after the crime is committed.

Montresor is a scheming and
intelligent man, patient and careful. He is true to himself and loyal to his familys legacy,
unafraidindeed, determinedto do anything necessary to free his name from what he perceives as
unjust insult. He is strong-willed and innovative, utilizing the resources available to him to
maximum effect. And, of course, he is a murderous villain.