Puri is a Spanish woman who travels from Sevilla to Ecuador to claim her inheritance following her father's death. She owns a chocolate shop in Spain and is characterized by her determination and headstrong nature. Following a violent attack on her ship, she adopts her husband's identity to protect herself while investigating the circumstances surrounding his murder.

Angélica is Don Armand's eldest Ecuadorian daughter and a highly capable woman who helped manage her father's estate. She feels deeply slighted by her father's will, which favors her European half-sister. She is fiercely possessive, proud, and often acts imperiously toward the household staff.

Catalina is the youngest daughter of Don Armand, possessing a holy reputation after allegedly seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary as a child. Despite this saint-like public image, she hides worldly desires, such as reading banned Spanish novels and secretly smoking cigarettes. She is quiet, reserved, and talented at sewing and playing music.

Martin serves as the capable administrator of the La Puri plantation, managing the cacao production and business negotiations. He studied agronomy in Colombia and embodies a rugged, working-class masculinity. As a childhood friend of the siblings, he maintains deep ties to the estate while lacking ownership over the land he works.

Don Armand is a wealthy French patriarch who grew rich off the cacao trade in Vinces, Ecuador. He was a mercurial man whose moods fluctuated with the plantation's harvests. His decisions to maintain multiple families and prioritize his European lineage create the central conflicts of the story.

Laurent is a debonair French expatriate who married into the Lafont family. He views Ecuadorian customs with contempt, believing his native French culture is inherently superior. He enjoys a life of luxury at the plantation, though his marriage is largely an arrangement of convenience that masks his true desires.

Julia works as a maid at the La Puri estate, answering exclusively to Angélica and acting coldly toward others. Elisa is known as Don Armand's illegitimate daughter, a childhood friend of Catalina who was forced off the property. The two identities represent a history of marginalization and fierce loyalty within the estate's strict class hierarchy.

Cristóbal is Puri's husband, a bookish writer who previously ran a bookshop inherited from his father. He lacks patience for incompetence and prefers the quiet isolation of his writing to public spectacles. His sudden murder aboard the steamer Andes sets Puri's journey and deception into motion.

Alberto is Don Armand's only son, a young man who renounced his share of the inheritance to join the priesthood. Despite his religious vocation, he struggles with his carnal desires and maintains a secret life outside the church. He is philosophical and frequently engages in debates about the nature of goodness.

Tomás is the lawyer handling Don Armand's estate. He is a professional and courteous man who assists Puri upon her arrival in Ecuador, guiding her through the legalities of the inheritance and the region's customs.

Soledad is a local curandera (folk healer) who possesses extensive knowledge of herbal remedies. She bears physical scars from a devastating house fire that claimed her husband's life and injured her son. She remains desperate to find her missing son and seeks help from anyone with resources.

Franco is the son of the plantation's former foreman. He bears severe facial scars from a childhood fire and acts as the violent assailant aboard the steamer Andes. His actions are driven by deep-seated loyalty and a desire for retribution.

Don Fernando is the owner of a neighboring plantation in Vinces. He is embroiled in a bitter border dispute with the Lafont family, leading to frequent and sometimes violent confrontations. He is aggressive and fiercely protective of his land and business interests.

Mayra is a young woman who works as a maid in Tomás's household. She finds herself in a desperate situation after becoming pregnant out of wedlock, prompting her to seek help and employment elsewhere.

Gloria is Don Armand's common-law Ecuadorian wife and the mother of Angélica, Catalina, and Alberto. She is a beautiful woman with a terrible temper who rigidly enforces social norms and religious piety within her household, often using harsh discipline to maintain appearances.

Pedro was the foreman of the La Puri plantation and the patriarch of the Duarte family. He was heavily involved in altering property lines to benefit Don Armand, a decision that ultimately led to tragedy when a fire consumed his home.

Ramona is Angélica's pet cockatoo. She is a constant presence in the mansion, frequently accompanying her owner to meals and demanding cacao beans, reflecting the wealth and eccentricities of the estate.

Pacha is a spirited and difficult mare on the La Puri estate. She challenges inexperienced riders and serves as a test of skill for those crossing the muddy terrain of the cacao plantation.

Silvia is Angélica's demanding friend who heavily influences her social life. She represents the wealthy, opinionated class of young women in Vinces and often dictates conversations and choices for her peers.

Bachita is a part-time maid who manages the household for the plantation administrator. She is a hardworking mother who efficiently handles domestic duties while remaining protective of her family.