Victor is a quiet, bookish man who learns to be a doctor through the gruesome reality of combat rather than formal schooling. Driven by a deep sense of duty, he sets aside his own desires to protect his family as the Republican cause collapses. He views the human heart with scientific fascination and emotional reverence, carrying the weight of the lives he cannot save on the battlefield.

Originally from a poor rural village, Roser possesses a fierce intellect and an extraordinary gift for the piano. She is resilient, practical, and fiercely protective of her unborn child following the devastation of the Spanish Civil War. Escaping the horrific French internment camps, she uses her musical talent and sheer willpower to forge a path forward for her family in a foreign land.

A beautiful, somewhat rebellious daughter of a conservative, elite Chilean family. Raised in a world of strict social expectations, she resents her father's control and the looming prospect of an arranged marriage. Her exposure to the arriving Spanish refugees awakens a curiosity that directly challenges her sheltered, privileged upbringing.

The idealistic eldest son of the wealthy del Solar family. Unlike his conservative father, Felipe actively supports left-wing causes and enthusiastically welcomes the Spanish refugees arriving on the Winnipeg. He operates as a bridge between the destitute exiles and the highest echelons of Chilean society.

A wealthy, domineering Chilean businessman who expects total obedience from his family. He sympathizes with Francisco Franco's conservative forces and views the incoming Spanish refugees with intense suspicion, dismissing them as dangerous radicals. He embodies the rigid class and political divides of Santiago society.

Isidoro's wife, a woman born into old money who accepted her marriage to maintain social standing. She is generally passive, preferring to retreat into religious devotion and social obligations rather than confront her husband's overbearing nature or connect deeply with her children.

Victor and Guillem's mother, a dedicated educator who faces the collapse of her country with pragmatic dread. When the Republican cause falls, she joins the desperate mass exodus toward the French border, willing to sacrifice her own safety to ensure her pregnant daughter-in-law survives the freezing, treacherous journey.

The practical, hard-working housekeeper and nanny for the del Solar family. Despite coming from the working class, she largely adopts her employers' conservative worldview. She exercises significant quiet authority within the household and possesses a strong maternal instinct, extending her affection to the refugee infant Marcel.

A charismatic, resourceful Basque fighter who survives the chaotic frontlines of the Spanish Civil War. He takes on the dangerous responsibility of guiding Roser and Carme through the frozen Pyrenees to the French border, proving himself a vital lifeline for the Dalmau family.

The infant son of Roser and Guillem, whose existence serves as the catalyst for Victor and Roser's marriage. He represents the survival of the Dalmau lineage and the primary motivation for the family to secure passage on the Winnipeg to Chile.

Victor's younger brother, an intensely passionate soldier for the Republican cause. Unlike the studious Victor, Guillem is driven by fiery idealism and a desire to combat global injustice. His brief but intense romance with Roser leaves a lasting impact on the entire Dalmau family's trajectory.

A famous real-life Chilean poet who leverages his influence to charter the Winnipeg, a ship designed to rescue Spanish refugees from the horrific French internment camps. He offers Victor and Roser the critical opportunity to start over in a land he affectionately describes in his poetry.

A respected professor of music and the patriarch of the Dalmau family. He instills a love of justice and science in his sons, and recognizes Roser's extraordinary talent. His declining health forces Victor to promise to save the family.

A dedicated volunteer for the Association to Aid Children in War. She remains intensely focused on her humanitarian work, gently brushing off Victor's early romantic declarations, and later plays a crucial role in rescuing Roser from the French concentration camps.

A wealthy conservative who recognizes Roser's potential and funds her early musical education. However, his rigid political beliefs cause him to withdraw his financial support when Roser associates with the left-leaning Dalmau family.

A solid, persistent suitor chosen by Ofelia's father to marry her. He is deeply and unconditionally in love with Ofelia, remaining steadfast in his devotion despite her clear reluctance and attempts to push him away.

A progressive Chilean politician and medical professional who befriends Victor over games of chess. He shares the refugees' left-leaning politics and helps Victor integrate into the Chilean medical establishment.

A wealthy Catalan widower living in Santiago. He connects with Victor over their shared heritage and offers to finance a Catalan-style tavern, giving the Dalmaus a steady source of income.

The trusted Catholic priest of the del Solar family. He serves as their moral authority, fiercely protecting the family's social reputation and enforcing conservative societal norms.