A variable capacitor is disclosed, including: a dielectric having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface; a first electrode disposed on the first surface of the dielectric; a second electrode disposed to face the second surface of the dielectric; and a pressing member configured to cause the second electrode and the dielectric to contact each other when a pressing force is applied thereto (e.g., when a pen-shaped position indicator including the variable capacitor is pressed against a tablet). In the variable capacitor, the second electrode includes at least one electrode piece having an abutting central portion, against which the pressing member transmits a pressing force applied thereto, and an extension portion that radially extends from the abutting central portion toward a circumferential portion of the dielectric. A contact area between the dielectric and the second electrode is changed in accordance with a pressing force applied to the pressing member, to thereby change a capacitance of the variable capacitor.