Elisabetta is a teenager living in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome, where she waits tables at Casa Servano to help support her parents. She dreams of becoming a writer and feels stifled by the Fascist control of Rome's newspapers. Despite her mother's dismissive attitude toward her ambitions, Elisabetta maintains a strong work ethic and deep loyalty to her family. She shares a long-standing friendship with Sandro and Marco, both of whom begin to show romantic interest in her as they grow older.

Sandro is a brilliant Jewish mathematics student whose academic performance earns him an invitation to study at La Sapienza university under famous professors. He holds deep pride in his heritage and his family's history in the Roman Ghetto. Highly perceptive, he frequently tunes into Elisabetta's emotional state better than others. As Mussolini's regime grows closer to Hitler's Germany, Sandro feels increasing anxiety about his family's safety in Italy.

Marco is a charismatic and athletic cyclist who views himself as a true son of Rome. This strong identification with Roman history makes him highly susceptible to rising Fascist ideology, leading him to seek employment at Palazzo Braschi, the Fascist headquarters. Popular and outwardly confident, Marco privately hides his severe dyslexia, which limits his ability to read and write. He views Sandro as a brother but competes directly with him for Elisabetta's affection.

Beppe is Marco's father and a former professional cyclist who once placed in the Giro d'Italia. He now owns and operates Bar GiroSport, a local gathering place. An early member of the Fascist Party, he believes the political movement protects small business owners like himself. He pushes his sons to train hard in cycling and initially approves of Marco's ambitions within the party.

Massimo is Sandro's father and a prosperous tax lawyer. He carries immense pride in his family's deep roots within the Jewish Ghetto of Rome. Like his friend Beppe, Massimo joined the Fascist Party early on, mistakenly believing his political loyalty and Italian identity will shield his family from Europe's rising antisemitism. He strongly advocates for his children to marry within the Jewish faith to preserve their lineage.

Nonna owns and operates Casa Servano, a small but lively restaurant in Trastevere where she prepares fresh pasta nightly. Working alongside her son and daughter-in-law, she runs a tight ship and expects hard work from her employees. She serves as a maternal figure to Elisabetta, actively encouraging the young woman's writing aspirations while openly voicing her disapproval of Mussolini's regime.

Serafina is Elisabetta's mother. Dissatisfied with her life and her husband's struggles, she often treats her daughter with coldness. She refuses to provide basic maternal comfort and actively discourages Elisabetta's creative ambitions, preferring a cynical view of the world around her.

Ludovico is Elisabetta's father and a former painter. His artistic career ended violently years ago when his hands were broken by Fascist supporters, a trauma that drove him to severe alcoholism. He now suffers from cirrhosis and relies heavily on Elisabetta for basic care and affection.

Gemma is Sandro's mother and a dedicated medical doctor. She provides a practical, grounding presence in the Simone household. Like her husband Massimo, she wishes for her children to marry Jewish partners, motivated both by tradition and by a practical fear for their safety in the current political climate.

Rosa is Sandro's older sister. She possesses a sharp awareness of the shifting political winds across Europe and views the rising antisemitism in Italy with profound alarm. She frequently clashes with her parents' optimism, consistently urging the family to flee Rome before the situation worsens.

Aldo is Marco's older brother. He works at the family bar and trains as a cyclist, though he struggles to keep up with Marco's aggressive pace. Beneath his ordinary routine, Aldo secretly involves himself with an underground anti-Fascist movement, a choice that puts him at direct ideological odds with his father and younger brother.

Emedio is Marco and Aldo's older brother. He serves as an ordained Catholic priest living and working within Vatican City. He functions as a spiritual compass for the family, often offering a measured, theological perspective on the political issues that divide his father and brothers.

Maria is Beppe's wife and the mother of Marco, Aldo, and Emedio. Coming from a family of peasants, she provides a steady, traditional foundation for the Terrizzi household. She focuses on maintaining family unity during turbulent political times and keeps the household running despite the men's frequent arguments.

Buonacorso is a high-ranking official in the Fascist Party stationed at Palazzo Braschi. He interviews Marco and hires him after being impressed by the young man's fervent recitation of Fascist principles and intense Roman pride. He represents the direct connection between everyday Roman citizens and the authoritarian government.

David is Rosa's English boyfriend. As a Jewish man from outside Italy, he frequently questions Massimo's loyalty to Mussolini, offering an external perspective on the tension between Italian Fascism and European antisemitism. His presence creates friction at the family dinner table.

Paolo is Nonna's son. He helps manage Casa Servano alongside his mother and his wife, Sofia. He contributes to the warm, communal atmosphere of the restaurant that provides Elisabetta with a sense of stability away from her difficult home life.

Sofia is Nonna's daughter-in-law and Paolo's wife. She forms part of the core staff at Casa Servano, working long hours alongside Elisabetta to keep the bustling Trastevere restaurant running smoothly as food shortages begin to affect Rome.