Angelo Visconti, known as “Vicious,” is the novel’s deuteragonist and a quintessential Byronic hero. He is characterized by an internal conflict between his violent past and his attempt at a legitimate life. The prologue reveals the origin of his nickname, with his father noting, “You’re vicious, son” (xi), a trait he describes as a temper like a “firework.” This explosive nature is something Angelo actively suppresses after the traumatic deaths of his parents, which prompted him to abandon his succession as capo of Devil’s Dip and live “clean” in London for nine years. However, his connection to the criminal underworld persists through the Sinners Anonymous hotline, a modernized version of his father’s corrupt confessional system, which he co-operates with his brothers. This allows him to enact a brutal form of vigilante justice, reflecting the theme of The Corrupting Nature of Power and Relativity of Morality, where he punishes sinners he deems worse than himself.

Angelo’s actions are heavily influenced by his family history and a complex, personal code of ethics. His decision to leave the mafia stems from a desire to honor his mother, Maria, whose mantra, “The good always cancels out the bad” (ix), becomes his justification for both his legitimate life and his secret vigilantism. His disdain for his father, Alonso, is palpable; he recognizes that Alonso used the church confessional to blackmail the townspeople, a perversion of faith for power. However, his loyalty to his family, particularly his mother, is absolute, demonstrated by his command to have her exhumed from the Visconti family plot because he feels she does not belong with his sinful father. This deep-seated trauma and loyalty drive his return to Devil’s Dip, where he seeks vengeance for his mother’s murder, proving that he cannot fully escape the life he was born into. His relationships with his brothers, Rafe and Gabe, are foundational, bound by their shared childhood “game” of punishing sinners, a bond that transcends distance and time.

Beneath a tightly controlled exterior of indifference and boredom, Angelo possesses a passionate and possessive nature, which is primarily revealed through his interactions with Rory. He is immediately drawn to Rory on the cliff’s edge, and his subsequent obsession is demonstrated through small but significant acts of violence fueled by jealousy, such as killing Max and blowing up his uncle’s car. He nicknames her “Magpie,” initially seeing her as a thief, but this evolves as he recognizes her as a kindred spirit trapped by circumstance. His ultimate decision to reclaim his role as capo and take Rory as his partner represents the culmination of his character arc. He accepts that true power, and the ability to protect what he loves, requires him to fully embrace his “vicious” nature, reconciling the two halves of his identity.

Alberto Visconti serves as the primary antagonist of the novel. As the capo of the Devil’s Cove Cosa Nostra, he is the embodiment of the corrupt and predatory patriarchal power that defines Rory’s world. Characterized by his cruelty, egotism, and possessiveness, Alberto views people, especially women, as commodities to be acquired and controlled. His nickname, “Anecdote Alberto,” reveals his narcissism and constant need to be the center of attention. He reduces Rory to an object, valuing her primarily for her virginity, which he treats as a status symbol to be flaunted.

Alberto’s methods of control are both psychological and physical. He manipulates Rory into an engagement by exploiting her love for her father and the Devil’s Preserve, creating a false deal he has no intention of honoring. He uses threats against her father to ensure her compliance and enforces his dominance with casual acts of violence, such as dragging his ring across her skin to draw blood. His character is static and flat; he shows no capacity for change or remorse, representing a system of power that is absolute and unyielding. His ultimate death at Angelo’s hands is not a moment of tragedy but the necessary removal of a corrupt figure, allowing for a shift in the established power structure.

Dante Visconti, Alberto’s eldest son and underboss, functions as a secondary antagonist and a foil to Angelo. He is fiercely traditional and resentful of anyone who threatens his perceived place in the mafia hierarchy. His hostility toward Rory is immediate and constant; he dismisses her as a “plaything” and a “capo chaser,” viewing her presence at his father’s side as an insult to his own status. His ambition is his defining trait, and it fuels his deep-seated jealousy of Angelo. Dante covets the power that Angelo so casually rejected, and he resents the favor Alberto shows his nephew. Unlike Angelo, who operates by his own internal code, Dante adheres strictly to the established rules of the Cosa Nostra, making him a rigid and predictable adversary. His character highlights the internal power struggles and generational conflicts within the Visconti family.

Tor Visconti acts as a foil to Dante. As the head of Devil’s Cove’s nightlife, he is characterized by a rebellious charm, a casual demeanor, and a string of disposable dates. Initially, he participates in the family’s mockery of Rory, but he lacks Dante’s genuine malice. There’s an air of amusement to his interactions, and he is the first of the Cove clan to show Rory any form of camaraderie, however superficial. His loyalty is more fluid than Dante’s; while he is a dedicated member of the family, his allegiance ultimately lies with Angelo and Rafe, whom he considers closer friends. This is demonstrated when he lies to protect Angelo after the car explosion and, most significantly, when he provides Rory with the keys to escape on her wedding day. Tor represents a less dogmatic and more personable facet of the mafia, one who values personal relationships over strict tradition.