The use of the two perfect indicative forms in Spanish varies according to region, epoch and text type. This study sets out to assemble data on the use of the perfect forms in three works from the preclassical period (»La Celestina«, Encina's »Teatro« and the »Diálogo de la lengua«). Various factors are analyzed: temporal, aspectual and modal indicators; coordination and subordination; the person of the verb; the verbal lexeme; various types of temporal context. The second section studies the structural values of the perfect forms in a series of textual analyses.