Angelo is a young Catholic man who moves to Italy after his mother's death. Born with a disability that requires him to use a prosthetic leg, he finds a sense of purpose and physical balance in the structure of the Catholic Church. He studies for the priesthood while living near the Rosselli family, forming an immediate and lasting bond with their daughter, Eva.

Eva is a young Jewish woman living in Florence, the daughter of a wealthy glass-maker. She is a talented violinist who studies music intensely and draws strength from her heritage and family traditions. She possesses a spirited personality and deeply cares for Angelo, struggling to understand his dedication to a vocation that requires him to remain celibate.

Camillo is a wealthy Jewish businessman who owns a successful glass-making factory in Florence. Following the death of his wife, he raises his daughter Eva alone, providing her with stability and cultural enrichment. He closely monitors the rising political tensions under Mussolini and worries about how the shifting laws will affect his family.

Captain von Essen is a German SS officer stationed in Italy. He embodies the ruthless efficiency of the occupying forces and strictly enforces the regime's oppressive laws. He expects unquestioning obedience and aggressively targets those who defy the military state.

Felix is Eva's uncle and her primary violin instructor. Originally from Austria, he moved to Italy and carries a deep passion for classical music. He sets high expectations for Eva's playing and closely follows news from Austria, worrying constantly about his father's safety.

Augusto is Eva's uncle and Camillo's brother. He holds optimistic political views regarding the new government in Italy, often believing that the Jewish population will not face serious harm from the rising regime.

Santino is Angelo's grandfather. He and his wife work for the Rosselli family and live in their home. He is a devout Catholic who provides a supportive environment for Angelo when the boy arrives from America.

Fabia is Angelo's grandmother. She works for the Rosselli family alongside her husband and helps care for Angelo as he adjusts to his new life in Florence.

Aldo is a local printer and a trusted friend of Camillo Rosselli. He uses his printing equipment and trade skills to discreetly assist those affected by the new restrictive laws in Italy.

Monsignor Luciano is a senior authority figure within the Catholic Church in Rome. He acts as an advisor to Angelo, guiding the young man in his priestly studies and offering strict counsel on maintaining his vows and prioritizing the Church.

Monsignor O’Flaherty is a priest connected to the Roman Curia. He works to deliver food and supplies to those imprisoned or displaced by the military occupation, relying on his position within the Church to operate safely.

Mario is a physician whose career is derailed by the new racial laws in Italy. He is part of Eva's extended family network and works diligently to protect his pregnant wife and children as living conditions become increasingly difficult.

Giulia is Mario's wife and a relative of Eva's aunt. She faces the physical strain of pregnancy while dealing with the harsh restrictions placed on her family's housing and freedom.

Mother Francesca is the abbess of a Roman convent. She oversees the daily routines of the nuns and strictly protects the sanctity and rules of her religious house, while dealing with the pressures of the occupation.

Greta is the wife of Captain von Essen. She experiences feelings of isolation and failure due to her inability to have children, and she attempts to maintain a sense of normalcy and social connection in occupied Rome.

Otto is Felix's father and a talented violinist. His situation in Austria grows precarious after the German annexation, causing great concern for his family members residing in Italy.