The Duke is an aristocratic man who places immense value on his social standing and his ancient, nine-hundred-year-old family name. He speaks with calculated precision, masking a deep-seated need for absolute control behind a veil of cultured conversation. As he guides a visitor through his art collection, his rigid expectations of behavior and intense possessiveness become apparent.

The late wife of the Duke is immortalized in a lifelike painting by Fra Pandolf. She was a joyful, easily pleased woman who appreciated simple pleasures, such as a beautiful sunset or a branch of cherries, just as much as expensive gifts. Her innocent appreciation of the world around her clashed fundamentally with her husband's demand for exclusive devotion.

A representative sent by a wealthy Count to negotiate a marriage between the Count's daughter and the Duke. He accompanies his host through the Ferrara estate, serving as a silent audience to the nobleman's carefully orchestrated narrative while viewing the extensive private art collection.

A wealthy aristocrat known for his extreme generosity. He is currently in negotiations with the Duke regarding a potential marriage, offering his daughter's hand and a presumably substantial dowry.

A young woman belonging to an aristocratic family. She is the subject of current marriage negotiations, positioned to potentially become the Duke's next wife.

A skilled and prestigious painter commissioned by the Duke. While working on the Duchess's portrait, he offered standard courtly compliments about her appearance, which successfully brought a joyful blush to her cheeks.

A master sculptor who created a rare bronze statue of Neptune taming a sea-horse. His work serves as another example of the Duke's wealth and desire to collect prestigious items.

An unnamed individual who brought a gift of cherries to the Duchess. The Duke refers to him derogatorily, deeply annoyed that such a simple, everyday gesture elicited the same blush of pleasure from the Duchess as the Duke's own affections.

An animal kept at the Ferrara estate, ridden by the Duchess around the terrace. The Duke notes with extreme frustration that the simple act of riding this animal brought the Duchess as much joy and appreciation as his own aristocratic presence.