Sara is a former chef and butcher from Philadelphia who has recently filed for bankruptcy and faces a difficult divorce. Raised on stories of her Sicilian heritage, she feels disconnected from her identity and passion for food. She travels to Caltabellessa, Sicily, following the instructions in a letter from her late Aunt Rosie, seeking both to scatter ashes and investigate an inherited plot of land.

Serafina is Sara's ancestor and namesake, an intelligent young woman living in early twentieth-century Sicily. Forced to abandon her educational ambitions due to an unplanned pregnancy, she stays in the village of Caltabellessa while her husband works in the United States. She studies under the local healer and gradually assumes the role of town doctor, challenging the strict gender expectations of her era.

Rosie is Sara's beloved aunt, a former high school principal who acted as a surrogate mother to her nieces. She leaves behind a plane ticket, a land deed, and specific instructions for Sara to travel to Sicily. Her posthumous guidance provides the motivation for Sara to reclaim her independence.

Giusy is the solitary manager of the Hotel Palazzo Luna, running the business efficiently despite local property laws that favor men. She acts as Sara's primary guide to Sicilian culture, sharing unwritten rules about local food and organized crime. Her connections to the area's history make her a valuable but mysterious ally.

Cettina is Serafina's childhood best friend, a woman who adheres to the traditional expectations of early-1900s Sicily. She longs to raise a large family and remains fiercely loyal to Serafina, often acting as a caretaker for Serafina's children. Her life shifts dramatically following a tragedy involving her first husband, forcing her into a dutiful second marriage.

Giovanni, known as Gio, is Serafina's husband. Following their early marriage, he takes physically demanding jobs in the local mines and on the mainland docks before joining the mass migration of Sicilian men to the United States. The harsh labor alters his personality, making him withdrawn as he spends years separated from his family.

Marco is a local politician who eventually serves as the mayor of Caltabellessa. Following village tradition, he marries his brother's widow, Cettina, to protect her. He proves to be a generous civic leader who supports the village women and uses his resources to help secure land for Serafina's medical clinic.

Luca is a local Sicilian chef who spent years cooking in New York before returning home to embrace the simplicity of his country's cuisine. He bonds with Sara over their shared culinary backgrounds and guides her through the sensory experiences of preparing traditional Sicilian food.

Agata is a professor of feminist studies at a university in Palermo. She specializes in recovering the lost history of Sicilian women, particularly their underground networks and religious practices. She uses her extensive knowledge of the island's past to help Sara understand the broader context of Serafina's life.

Rosalia is the local village healer, widely dismissed by the fearful community as a witch. She lives independently near an isolated cave, utilizing knowledge passed down to her during her youth in Palermo. She possesses extensive medical skills, from delivering babies to crafting tinctures, which she eventually passes on to a willing apprentice.

Jack is Sara's estranged husband and a practicing lawyer. Their marriage fell apart following a miscarriage and disagreements over Sara's demanding restaurant career. He actively seeks full custody of their daughter, creating immense pressure on Sara.

Carla is Sara's sister and a successful lawyer based in the United States. She acts as an emotional anchor for Sara, encouraging her to stay in Sicily to complete Aunt Rosie's requested tasks.

Liuni is Cettina's first husband and a student involved in local politics. He advocates for rural farmers experiencing extreme poverty, putting him directly at odds with the local organized crime syndicates.

Fina is a local police officer and Giusy's daughter. She uses her access to village history and municipal records to help Sara understand the legal complexities surrounding Serafina's land.

Nino is Giusy's cousin and an active member of the local Cosa Nostra. He opposes Sara's claim to the family land because his associates currently use the property for illegal operations.

Nicolo is a village artist and sculptor with a long memory of Caltabellessa's history. He recognizes the striking physical resemblance between Sara and her ancestors, offering her unexpected insights during a public town meeting.

Carmine is Cettina's brother and a violent man associated with the Black Hand, a group that collects money for the Mafia. He is highly hostile toward Serafina and resents her medical authority, posing a significant physical threat to her safety.

Pippo is a local driver hired in advance by Aunt Rosie to ensure Sara arrives safely in Caltabellessa. He introduces Sara to authentic Sicilian pastries and provides her with her first glimpses into the region's history.

Signor Raguzzo is the local notaio (notary) who assists with legal documents in Caltabellessa. He outlines the complexities and historical roadblocks preventing Sara from easily selling the inherited land to foreign investors.