Bento is a former law student reflecting on his youth in 19th-century Rio de Janeiro. He lives a solitary life in a faithful replica of his childhood home. As a teenager, he faces immense pressure from his religious mother to enter the priesthood, a path that directly conflicts with his romantic feelings for his neighbor. He possesses a highly imaginative mind and struggles with deep-seated possessiveness.

Capitú is the teenage daughter of the Padua family, living next door to the Santiagos. She is resourceful, articulate, and practical, taking the initiative to formulate plans that might spare Bento from the seminary. She possesses striking eyes that Bento compares to the ocean tide, and she approaches obstacles with a maturity that contrasts with Bento's sheltered upbringing.

Escobar is a young man Bento meets while attending the seminary. He possesses a sharp talent for mental arithmetic and openly prefers the idea of commerce over a life in the priesthood. He is an affable and observant companion who seamlessly integrates into Bento's social circle and family life.

Sancha is a childhood schoolmate of Capitú. Coming from a merchant family, she maintains a close bond with her friend as they transition into adulthood. She becomes a steady fixture in Bento and Capitú's social life, participating in shared dinners and outings.

Ezekiel is the only son of Bento and Capitú. As a young boy, he is lively, curious, and enjoys imaginative play. He exhibits a strong habit of imitating the gestures, walks, and mannerisms of the adults around him, a behavior that becomes a focal point of his father's intense scrutiny.

José Dias is an eccentric dependent living in the Santiago household. He initially presented himself as a homeopathic doctor before admitting his lack of medical training, but he secured his place in the family through constant devotion. He acts as a protective figure, servant, and advisor, holding considerable sway over family decisions.

Dona Gloria is Bento's widowed mother. After losing her first child, she made a solemn vow to God to dedicate her second child to the church. She is pious, deeply loving toward her son, and constantly torn between honoring her strict religious obligations and ensuring Bento's worldly happiness.

Uncle Cosme is a heavyset, widowed criminal lawyer living in the Santiago home. Once known for his romantic and political passions in his youth, he now prefers a sedentary life centered around his legal work and casual games of backgammon.

Cousin Justina is a widowed relative residing with the Santiagos. She observes the household dynamics closely and often expresses cynical or critical views. She harbors an underlying resentment toward outsiders, freely sharing her negative opinions about Capitú.

João Padua is Capitú's father and a modest employee at the War Ministry. He lives next door to the Santiagos and frequently brings up his brief, past stint as an interim administrator to maintain his sense of pride.

Dona Fortunata is Capitú's mother. She manages her household and is largely observant of the interactions between her daughter and Bento, maintaining a polite, welcoming, and intentionally unobtrusive presence.

Padre Cabral is a priest and recently appointed Protonotary Apostolic. He tutors Bento in Latin and actively encourages the boy's ecclesiastical prospects, advising Dona Gloria on religious matters and seminary preparations.

Gurgel is Sancha's father. He occasionally offers advice to Bento regarding his studies and openly notes the striking physical similarities between Capitú and his own late wife.

Manduca is the son of a local china shop owner. Afflicted with leprosy, he finds intellectual stimulation through passionate, written debates with Bento regarding the Crimean War, pushing through his physical ailments to defend his viewpoints.

Marcolini is an old Italian tenor who shares his philosophy with Bento. He firmly believes that life operates as a grand, imperfect opera originally penned by God but finished by Satan, using this metaphor to explain human struggles.