Eva is a courageous Jewish woman and a gifted violinist living in Italy during the rise of Fascism, who becomes actively involved in the resistance movement. She faces persecution while maintaining hope and resilience.

Camillo is Eva’s dedicated father, a glass factory owner who provides stability and cultural grounding for his family. As a member of the pre-war Jewish community, his fate reflects the tragic impact of the Nazi regime.

Captain von Essen serves as the novel’s antagonist, representing the brutal enforcement of Nazi ideology in occupied Italy. Tasked with hunting down Jewish people in hiding, he brings constant danger and tension to the lives of the protagonists.