Arenas's mother, primarily referred to as "my mother," whose relationship with Arenas is shaped by the complex feelings stemming from her experiences of betrayal and suffering.

A significant figure in Arenas's childhood who offers him affection and introduces him to a rich metaphysical world, sparking his literary imagination and creativity.

A Cuban expatriate couple who live in Europe and support Arenas by smuggling his manuscripts out of Cuba, helping to build his international literary reputation.

The leader of Cuba whose regime Arenas opposes, serving as a central figure of antagonism in Arenas's life and literary work due to the repression he experienced under Castro's rule.

A close friend and lover of Arenas who serves as a connection to Arenas's former life in Cuba and shares a similar sense of feeling like an outsider in his own family.

The intelligence arm of Castro's government responsible for persecuting dissidents like Arenas, employing tactics such as surveillance and torture to maintain control.

An organization regulating artistic expression in Cuba, with which Arenas has a contentious relationship due to its role in suppressing anti-Castro literature.