Raffaella Cerullo, known as Lila, is Elena’s childhood friend and competitor, a brilliant and ambitious woman whose complex relationship with Elena oscillates between admiration and rivalry.

Pietro is Elena’s husband, a successful professor from a prominent family, whose traditional views and distant personality create tension in their marriage.

Nino is a charismatic intellectual from Elena’s neighborhood, whom she has admired since childhood, and whose self-centered nature complicates their relationship.

Bruno is the owner of a salami factory and part of the upper class, known for his exploitative and cruel behavior towards workers.

Michele is a member of a powerful and influential family in Naples with a reputation for supporting Fascist ideology, and he is obsessed with possessing Lila's intellect.

Enzo is Lila’s loyal companion, known for his gentleness, intelligence, and respect, providing stability in her life and caring for her son.

Pasquale is a childhood friend of Lila and Elena, who becomes radicalized in his support of the Communist cause and is critical of Elena's choices.

Nadia is Pasquale’s girlfriend and the daughter of Elena’s former teacher, passionate about the class struggle and critical of social mobility.