Tall and dark-featured, Lila is Elena's childhood friend, characterized by her intelligence and influence, and her complex role in the lives of those around her.

Elena's lover and a charming, ambitious figure from Naples who becomes a politician, affecting the lives of many women in his orbit.

Elena's husband, a classics professor from a distinguished family, who struggles with balancing his academic career and family responsibilities.

Lila's partner and business collaborator who is a supportive father figure in their family and part of the computing firm Basic Sight.

Elena's eldest daughter who is earnest and serious, resembling her father Pietro, while navigating her own aspirations and relationships.

Elena's second daughter, known for her intelligence and sly nature, who moves from one interest to another, often reacting to her sister Dede’s actions.

Elena and Nino's daughter who looks up to her father despite his shortcomings and struggles with personal perceptions of inferiority.

Lila and Enzo's daughter, noted for her precocity and striking resemblance to her mother, whose presence impacts the dynamic of children around her.

Lila's son with a mixed paternity background, facing struggles in his education and personal life while connected to Elena's daughters.

Elena's strong-willed and outspoken mother who influences Elena as she confronts her personal challenges and family dynamics.

Elena's younger sister who marries into the influential Solara family, shaping her life with ambitions and the consequences of that alliance.

Elena’s former mother-in-law, a professional in publishing, whose support and later antagonism influence Elena's career and personal life.

Pietro's father, a respected academic who maintains a critical perspective on challenges to his class’s standing and is involved discretely in the family's dealings.

Pietro’s sister, an academic and feminist based in Milan, who supports diverse family structures and intellectual discourse.

A dominant figure in the powerful Solara family who uses his influence to control various relationships and exerts pressure on Elena's family.

Marcello's brother with a troubled past and obsession with Lila, shaping his interactions and influence in the neighborhood.

Lila’s connection and brother-in-law, who navigates his complex identity in a traditional neighborhood while forming a bond with Lila.

Elena's ex-boyfriend who supports Lila and plays varying roles in the neighborhood and in Elena's life, revealing past sentiments and loyalties.

A Communist character and childhood friend of Elena and Lila, entangled in ideological conflicts and the neighborhood's power struggles.

Pasquale’s sister who maintains loyalty to her family amidst her personal contentment and external pressures from her surroundings.