Laura is a twenty-two-year-old American schoolteacher living in Xochimilco, Mexico, during the aftermath of the revolution. She teaches Indigenous children during the day and smuggles letters or visits imprisoned Socialists at night. Though raised Roman Catholic, she struggles with her faith and her commitment to the revolutionary cause, resulting in an emotional detachment from the people around her. She wears modest, blue clothing to avoid attention but secretly indulges in purchasing fine, handmade lace.

Braggioni is a powerful Socialist leader who exercises significant influence over the revolutionary movement in Mexico City. Though he grew up in poverty, he now enjoys a comfortable life, dressing in expensive garments and indulging in rich food and drink. He views his followers with deep cynicism, complaining about their laziness while he spends his evenings playing the guitar and trying to seduce Laura.

Eugenio is one of Braggioni’s revolutionary followers who currently suffers in a cockroach-infested prison cell. He grows increasingly desperate and bored under the harsh conditions, questioning why his political leader does not arrange for his release. He relies on Laura to smuggle him supplies, including medication to help him sleep.

Mrs. Braggioni is an active and dedicated Socialist who organizes unions for female factory workers and speaks at local meetings. Despite her public political strength, she occupies a subservient role in her marriage to Braggioni. She frequently weeps over his blatant affairs and accepts his harsh treatment, maintaining an unconditional loyalty to him.

Lupe is a domestic worker employed as Laura’s maid. She observes the constant attention her employer receives from local men and offers practical advice rooted in local custom, such as suggesting Laura throw a Judas tree flower to drive away an unwanted suitor.

The Young Man is a nineteen-year-old local who becomes deeply infatuated with Laura. He stands outside her window singing for hours and follows her through the city streets, entirely oblivious to her subtle attempts to reject him.

The Young Captain is a military officer who previously attempted to court Laura. He confidently ordered her to jump from her horse into his arms, only to be left chasing after her when she spurred her animal away.