Daniel is an 18-year-old aspiring photojournalist visiting Spain with his wealthy Texan parents. He hopes to win a photography contest to fund journalism school, acting against the wishes of his father, who wants him to join the family oil business. Finding himself captivated by the people of Madrid, he attempts to capture the reality of life under fascist rule. He is brave and well-intentioned, though his American privilege often blinds him to the severe consequences faced by Spanish citizens.

Ana works as a maid at the glamorous Castellana Hilton in Madrid to help support her impoverished family. The daughter of executed Republicans, she harbors quiet ambitions of leaving Spain to experience the freedoms she sees in American magazines. She balances her job's strict rules with her growing attraction to an American guest.

Rafa works grueling hours at both a slaughterhouse and a cemetery to financially support his older sister's household. Deeply scarred by witnessing his father's execution as a child, he forces himself to face his fears daily. He pours his remaining energy into supporting his childhood friend's ambitions in the bullring.

Julia is the eldest Torres Moreno sibling, serving as the pragmatic head of a family living in a one-room shack in Vallecas. She sews heavy, bejeweled garments for matadors to earn money while carrying the terrible memories of her parents' persecution. Her primary focus is sheer survival and keeping her younger siblings safe from government attention.

Puri is a devout Catholic who works diligently at an orphanage run by the church. Born after the Spanish Civil War, she genuinely believes in the government's propaganda and views her work as a noble service to Spain. Her unquestioning faith begins to waver when she notices inconsistencies regarding the babies in her care.

Fuga is an intense young man who survived severe abuse in a state-run boys' home alongside Rafa. He channels his deep-seated anger into training as a matador, believing that achieving fame and wealth in the bullring will allow him to protect vulnerable children. He operates with a quiet ferocity and a complete disregard for his own safety.

Nick is the son of an American diplomat stationed in Madrid. He uses his father's connections to navigate the city's nightlife, often covering his frustrations with alcohol and reckless behavior. Despite his cynical outward appearance, he demonstrates genuine loyalty to his friends.

Shep serves as a charismatic diplomat for the United States embassy in Spain. He possesses useful insider knowledge and excels at making people like him to smooth over international business deals. His polished professional exterior masks a more manipulative personal nature.

Ben is a seasoned foreign correspondent working in Spain. He understands the harsh realities of the fascist regime and recognizes the danger of taking photographs in a country lacking press freedom. He serves as a tough but valuable mentor to younger journalists.

Mr. Matheson is a wealthy Texas oil baron looking to close a major business deal with the Spanish government. He views his son's photography as a passing hobby and expects him to take over the family enterprise. He focuses heavily on financial success and political maneuvering.

Mrs. Matheson is a Spanish-born woman married to a wealthy Texan. She struggles to fit into Dallas high society due to her heritage, making her return to Spain emotionally significant. She uses the trip to recover from recent personal health struggles while attempting to maintain her family's social standing.

Antonio is Julia's husband, working tirelessly to help move his family out of the impoverished Vallecas neighborhood. He maintains a sense of hope despite their crushing poverty and exhaustion. He views the influx of Americans as a potential catalyst for transparency in Spain.

Sister Hortensia is a strict nun who supervises the Inclusa orphanage. She fully enforces the state's policies regarding childcare and adoption, viewing the orphans as the offspring of political degenerates. She demands absolute obedience and discretion from her staff.

Lorenza is an attractive maid working alongside Ana at the Castellana Hilton. She pays close attention to the interactions between the hotel staff and the wealthy guests. She frequently inserts herself into situations involving the Americans.

Carlitos works as a bellboy at the Castellana Hilton. He manages the complex social dynamics of the hotel, serving as a messenger between guests and staff while trying to keep his coworkers out of trouble.

Miguel runs a local camera shop and possesses a deep understanding of photography. He recognizes Daniel's talent but quickly warns the young American about the severe dangers of documenting truth in a fascist country.

Cristina is a young girl adopted from the Inclusa orphanage by the Matheson family. Raised in Texas, she eventually travels back to Madrid with her brother, demonstrating a maturity and perceptiveness beyond her years.

Laura Beth is a young woman from Dallas society who previously dated Daniel. She represents the insular, privileged world of Texas wealth that Daniel wishes to escape through his photography.

Lali is Julia and Antonio's sickly infant daughter. Her poor health causes immense anxiety for her struggling family, who lack the resources for proper medical care.

Paco Lobo is a wealthy and cherished guest at the Hilton known for his philanthropy. He uses his resources to support orphans and entire villages in Spain.

Father Fernández is a Catholic priest serving the impoverished community of Vallecas. He offers genuine spiritual comfort to his parishioners, contrasting with the harshness of the state-aligned clergy in the city center.