44 pages • 1-hour read
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Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.
Estrella/Esther is a sixteen-year-old girl living in Encaleflora, Spain. Nicknamed "Raven," she is observant and spiritually inclined. She possesses a natural curiosity about the world around her. She loves her family deeply, though she sometimes struggles to understand their unusual, secretive household traditions. She finds herself balancing growing romantic feelings with a shifting social environment in her village.
Daughter of Abra/Mother
Granddaughter of Jose deMadrigal/Grandfather
Granddaughter of Carmen/Sarah/Grandmother
Sister of Luis
Best Friend of Catalina
Romantic Interest of Andres
Owner of Dini
Catalina is Estrella/Esther's neighbor and childhood best friend, affectionately nicknamed "Crow." Although the two girls spend significant time together and envision intertwined futures, Catalina harbors deep insecurities regarding their differences in wealth and appearance. She is highly conscious of social status and desires to improve her standing in the village.
Abra is a thirty-five-year-old widow who works as a healer and wool dyer in the village. Known for her beauty and the blue dye constantly staining her hands, she is a highly educated and fearless woman. She passes her knowledge of folk medicine and herbal remedies down to her daughter, maintaining connections across different neighborhoods in the community.
Mother of Estrella/Esther
Daughter of Jose deMadrigal/Grandfather
Daughter of Carmen/Sarah/Grandmother
Mother of Luis
Friend of Muslim Doctor's Wife
Jose is a wise and widely respected teacher in Encaleflora. To his granddaughter, he initially appears aloof and intimidating, spending much of his time instructing the smartest pupils in his study under the cellar stairs. He firmly upholds his household's private traditions and acts as a quiet community leader.
Husband of Carmen/Sarah/Grandmother
Father of Abra/Mother
Grandfather of Estrella/Esther
Grandfather of Luis
Associate of Señor deLeon
Luis is Estrella/Esther's older brother who spends most of his time away studying at a seminary. Brilliant and compassionate, he is the pride of his grandparents and is being groomed for a special purpose within their community. Despite his heavy responsibilities, he remains warm and generous with his family and neighbors.
Brother of Estrella/Esther
Son of Abra/Mother
Grandson of Jose deMadrigal/Grandfather
Grandson of Carmen/Sarah/Grandmother
Student of Friar deLeon
Carmen is the stern and highly protective matriarch of the household. She manages the family's domestic life with strict rules, often coming across as harsh or anxious to her granddaughter. Her rigid behavior stems from a deep need to keep her family safe and their private customs secure from outside scrutiny.
Wife of Jose deMadrigal/Grandfather
Mother of Abra/Mother
Grandmother of Estrella/Esther
Grandmother of Luis
Andres is an orphaned young man living with his cousin Catalina's family. Described as smart and capable, possessing striking blue eyes, he immediately captures Estrella/Esther's attention. He forms a quiet emotional connection with her, offering a safe space for conversation outside of her complicated friendship with Catalina.
Cousin of Catalina
Romantic Interest of Estrella/Esther
Juan is a neighbor of the deMadrigal family who attends their church. His sudden arrest by the authorities deeply unsettles the community and forces Estrella/Esther to question the safety of her village.
Husband of Señora Arrias
Neighbor of Jose deMadrigal/Grandfather
Señora Arrias is a neighbor known for crafting special lace linens and using silver candlesticks on Friday nights. Her belongings become targets for looting after her household is targeted by the local authorities.
Wife of Juan Arrias
Neighbor of Catalina
Friar deLeon is the priest at the church attended by Estrella/Esther's family. He leads the congregation in unique prayers, such as those dedicated to St. Esther, and shares close ties with the deMadrigal household.
Señor deLeon is the father of the local priest. He assists in quiet, private matters within the community, working closely with the respected teachers of the village.
Father of Friar deLeon
Associate of Jose deMadrigal/Grandfather
A medical practitioner living in the Muslim quarter of the village. He represents the intersecting cultures of Encaleflora and is highly respected for his healing knowledge, often treating patients across neighborhood boundaries.
Husband of Muslim Doctor's Wife
Associate of Abra/Mother
A woman living in the Muslim quarter who suffers from an illness her husband cannot cure. She forms a quiet bond with Abra, trading goods and sharing a mutual respect for herbal healing.
Wife of Muslim Doctor
Friend of Abra/Mother
Dini is a pet pig belonging to Estrella/Esther. Kept as a companion rather than livestock, Dini provides her with comfort during times of stress and anxiety in the village.
Pet of Estrella/Esther
An elderly man living in the juderia who wears a red circle on his coat to mark his status. He endures public humiliation when the village soldiers burn his texts, an event that deeply impacts the young onlookers.
Observed by Estrella/Esther