In Portuguese and Hispanic countries, the bullfight is a traditional spectacle which consists in a confrontation between a bull and a torero, in which the latter seeks to demonstrate his skills and courage in front of the spectators. The main characters in a bullfight are:
* Toro: The bull is the protagonist of the show and is selected for its bravery, strength, and agility. The bulls used in bullfighting are typically from the Spanish Fighting Breed (Toro Bravo), which is known for its aggressive and unpredictable behavior.
* Matador: The matador, also known as the "espada" or "diestro", is the main bullfighter in the ring. The matador is responsible for executing the final act of the fight, in which he kills the bull with a single sword thrust to the heart.
* Picador: The picador is a mounted bullfighter who uses a lance to weaken the bull's neck muscles and prepare it for the matador. The picador typically rides a horse and uses a long lance to strike the bull in the withers.
* Banderillero: The banderillero is a bullfighter who places barbed banderillas (small flags) in the bull's back to further weaken it and provoke its charging behavior. The banderilleros typically work in teams of three and use brightly colored banderillas to attract the bull's attention.
* Rejoneador: The rejoneador is a bullfighter who fights bulls on horseback using a rejon (a type of lance). The rejoneador is considered a specialized type of bullfighter and typically performs in rejoneo, a variation of bullfighting in which the bull is not killed.