Giovanna is a thirteen-year-old girl living a highly structured, privileged life in the wealthy Rione Alto neighborhood of Naples. Struggling with the physical and emotional changes of adolescence, she becomes obsessed with understanding her own identity after hearing her father call her ugly. This prompts her to seek out the estranged, lower-class side of her family to discover the truth about herself and her parents' carefully constructed world. She is highly observant and desperate to understand the divide between refinement and crudeness.

Aunt Vittoria is Andrea's estranged sister, living in the poverty-stricken Industrial Zone of Naples. Described by Giovanna's parents as a spiteful, ugly, and malicious figure, she proves to be a highly emotional, blunt, and captivating woman. Vittoria despises her brother and eagerly tries to open Giovanna's eyes to the false perfection of her parents' lives, encouraging her niece to question everything she has been taught.

Andrea is a learned scholar and teacher who climbed out of poverty in the Industrial Zone to establish a comfortable life in Rione Alto. He prizes intellect, refinement, and respectability, actively distancing himself from his sister Vittoria. Though he loves his daughter, his careless words ignite a profound shift in their relationship, causing his authoritative image to fracture.

Nella is a beautiful, intelligent teacher and editor of romance novels. She serves as the calm, diplomatic mediator in the Trada household, often trying to soothe tensions between her husband and daughter. She values virtue and grace, standing in stark contrast to the rougher figures from her husband's past in the Industrial Zone.

Roberto is an intellectual and scholar who managed to escape the poverty of the Industrial Zone to build a successful life in Milan. He acts as an idol for many of the younger characters and earns the begrudging respect of older intellectuals like Andrea. He merges spiritual faith with intellectual rigor.

Mariano is Andrea's smart, intellectual best friend. As a prominent fixture in the Tradas' social circle, he frequently engages in fiery political and philosophical debates with Andrea. He presents an image of wealth and sophistication alongside his wife, Costanza, though his attention sometimes wanders inappropriately.

Costanza is Mariano's wife and a close friend of the Trada family. Coming from a family of goldsmiths, she is synonymous with sophistication and frequently wears gorgeous jewelry, including a highly prized bracelet. She is admired by both Giovanna and Nella for her seemingly flawless demeanor.

Ida is Angela's sister and one of Giovanna's closest childhood friends. Raised in an affluent, giving household, she enjoys a peaceful life filled with beautiful clothes and affection. She is deeply attached to her sister and Giovanna, often striving to be as close to Giovanna as Angela is.

Angela is Ida's sister and Giovanna's peer and best friend. She is raised with every comfort and is accustomed to a life of refinement. As she and Giovanna enter adolescence, Angela shares in the anxieties of growing up and becomes fascinated by the stories Giovanna tells of her mysterious aunt.

Margherita is the widow of Enzo, a man who played a significant role in Aunt Vittoria's past. She is a woman of immense kindness and benevolence who surprisingly befriended Aunt Vittoria despite a complicated history. She serves as a matriarchal figure for her three children in the Industrial Zone.

Giuliana is Margherita's beautiful and friendly daughter. She exudes a spiritual energy and charm but harbors deep anxieties about her relationships and future. She frequently defers to Aunt Vittoria for guidance and serves as a bridge between the different social spheres in Giovanna's expanding world.

Corrado is Margherita's son and Aunt Vittoria's favorite of the children. He bears a strong physical resemblance to his late father, Enzo, and carries a crude, blunt manner that contrasts sharply with the boys Giovanna knows from her refined neighborhood.

Tonino is Margherita's shy and relatively quiet son. He often remains in the background compared to his more outspoken siblings but maintains important friendships that connect the Industrial Zone's residents to the wider world.

Enzo is a deceased police sergeant who remains a massive presence in the memories of the characters in the Industrial Zone. He is the late husband of Margherita and was the great love of Aunt Vittoria's life, serving as the emotional focal point for the complex web of relationships in Pascone.

Rosario is the son of an influential attorney. He represents a dangerous, flashy kind of wealth to the kids in Naples. With his misshapen teeth and aggressive demeanor, he frequently causes tension when he interacts with characters from both the wealthy and poorer districts.

Don Giacomo is a young father and religious figure who interacts with the characters during their visits to the local church and flea market. He is stern but knowledgeable, attempting to offer spiritual guidance to the young people around him.

Silvestro is a male student at Giovanna's school who objectifies her changing adolescent body. His crude comments about her physical appearance trigger an aggressive reaction from Giovanna, highlighting her growing frustration with how men perceive her.

Michela is a colleague of Roberto's in Milan. She is an assertive and confident woman who commands attention in intellectual circles, sparking deep insecurities in Giuliana regarding her own relationship.