Andrea is an orphaned young woman who moves from a provincial convent to Barcelona after earning a state-funded university scholarship. She arrives with high expectations based on childhood memories, only to discover her family living in cramped, squalid conditions. Sensitive and fiercely independent, she spends much of her time wandering the city streets to escape the oppressive atmosphere of her grandmother's home.

Andrea's thin, long-suffering grandmother was once a prosperous woman and the original tenant of the Calle de Aribau apartment. Following the war and her husband's death, she divided the home and piled her fine furniture into the remaining rooms. Deeply religious and seemingly senile at times, she forsakes her own well-being to feed and care for her troubled family.

Andrea's authoritarian and deeply Catholic aunt serves as a commanding presence in the household. She attempts to strictly control Andrea's behavior and movements, warning her against exploring the city. Her pious outward behavior and massive bedroom crucifix mask a deep anxiety about her family's social reputation.

Andrea's uncle is an aspiring but largely untalented painter who works odd hours at a warehouse. He frequently uses his beautiful young wife, Gloria, as a nude model but directs intense, violent rage toward her. His deep frustration stems from his failed artistic ambitions and the family's desperate poverty.

Andrea's eccentric and intelligent uncle is a once-renowned musician who now seemingly earns a living through black market smuggling. He isolates himself in a well-curated alcove room above the rest of the squalid apartment. He often plays the violin and observes the family's misery with a detached, sometimes sadistic interest.

Juan's young, beautiful wife comes from a poor background that draws constant scorn from Angustias. Unsentimental and highly practical, she covertly attempts to earn money to keep the family from starving. She endures Juan's frequent physical abuse while maintaining a complex, secretive history with Román.

A wealthy, magnetic, and beautiful student who quickly befriends Andrea. Independent and thirsty for experience outside her privileged sphere, Ena enjoys shocking her conservative family. She possesses a slightly sadistic streak, taking pleasure in toying with the emotions of the men who pursue her.

A delicately beautiful woman with a quiet demeanor and a haunting singing voice. She harbors secrets from her past as a music conservatory student and views her daughter's new connections to Calle de Aribau with deep trepidation.

Aunt Angustias's married employer. He is a frequent presence in Andrea's childhood memories of the apartment and continues to exert a vague influence over the household dynamics, specifically regarding Angustias's defensive behavior.

Ena's wealthy and remarkably loyal boyfriend. He frequently takes Ena and Andrea on pleasant excursions to the country, maintaining his steady devotion to Ena despite her emotionally complex and unpredictable nature.

A well-dressed, wealthy young man whom Andrea meets briefly at Ena's house. He assumes a protective but condescending attitude toward Andrea, representing a potential but unappealing escape from her poverty.

A wealthy, slightly childish university student who invites Andrea into his circle of bohemian artists. He becomes infatuated with Andrea, hoping to impress her with his privileged world and invitations to high-society dances.

The family's grim maid, who moves through the chaotic, hostile environment of the Calle de Aribau apartment with a morbid sensibility. She actively roots against Gloria while dedicating herself completely to Uncle Román.

The leader of a group of wealthy, bohemian young male artists that Pons introduces to Andrea. He hosts the group in his studio, fostering an atmosphere of careless irresponsibility and artistic pretense.

A member of Guixols's bohemian friend group. He comes from a privileged background but fancies himself a rugged artist, becoming briefly obsessed with a mysterious blonde woman he spots in public.