Victoria is the strong-willed daughter of the Marchese di Loredani and Laurina. Raised in an affluent but fractured household, she reacts violently to any restrictions on her freedom. Unlike traditional passive heroines, she actively uses her cunning and determination to secure the romantic partners she desires, regardless of the social or moral costs. Her lack of foresight leaves her vulnerable to the influence of those offering specialized assistance.

Zofloya is a tall, striking servant employed in the household of Henriquez. Highly educated and charismatic, he possesses specialized knowledge of chemicals and poisons. He closely observes the interpersonal dramas of his employers and approaches Victoria with offers of assistance, feeding her vanity to encourage her darkest impulses.

Berenza is a sophisticated Venetian nobleman who enters a relationship with Victoria. Though intellectually inclined and initially cautious of her impetuous nature, he deeply desires a partner who is entirely devoted to him. This requirement makes him susceptible to calculated displays of affection and blinds him to the true depth of Victoria's recklessness.

Henriquez is Berenza's gallant brother, embodying virtuous ideals and deep devotion. He directs all his loyalty toward Lilla, patiently waiting for the appropriate time to marry her. He instinctively recoils from Victoria's bold and assertive personality, preferring traditional modesty and piety in a partner.

Laurina is the mother of Victoria and Leonardo. Initially devoted to her husband, her susceptibility to flattery allows a visiting nobleman to seduce her. Her choice to abandon her family precipitates a domestic collapse, stripping her of the moral authority needed to guide her increasingly rebellious children.

Lilla is a delicate and pious young woman who hopes to marry Henriquez. Characterized by her gentle demeanor and flaxen hair, she represents the traditional feminine ideal of the era. Her trusting innocence makes her a stark foil to Victoria, though her inability to recognize malice leaves her vulnerable to danger.

Megalena is a bold, fiercely jealous woman who seduces Leonardo after encountering him asleep by a lake. She demands absolute loyalty from her partners and willingly resorts to extreme measures, including physical violence, to assert dominance and eliminate perceived romantic rivals.

Leonardo is Victoria's brother, who flees Venice following the scandal of his mother's desertion. Thrust into a transient life, his physical beauty continually draws the unwanted attention of older women. He frequently falls under the sway of strong-willed individuals who lure him into violent and dangerous situations.

Ardolph is a German nobleman and notorious womanizer who takes particular pleasure in seducing married women. He uses persistent flattery to convince Laurina to abandon her established life in Venice, eventually taking on a disciplinary role toward her daughter Victoria.

The Marchese di Loredani is a wealthy Venetian nobleman and the initial patriarch of the family. He is a devoted husband whose life is shattered when his wife elopes with a visiting nobleman. He attempts to raise his daughter with integrity despite his profound heartbreak.

Signora di Modena is an embittered, elderly relative entrusted with guarding Victoria's chastity. She lives in an isolated villa and employs strict, punitive measures, including locking doors and limiting food, to suppress what she views as the corrupt nature of her young charge.

Catau is a servant girl working at the isolated villa of Signora di Modena. She becomes Victoria's only companion during her confinement and proves susceptible to bribery when Victoria begins planning an escape.

Signora Zappi is the wife of a Florentine nobleman who takes in the wandering Leonardo. She becomes intensely infatuated with the young man and turns vengeful, fabricating severe accusations when he rejects her advances.

Amamia is the young daughter of Signor and Signora Zappi. She attracts the romantic attention of Leonardo, inadvertently making her a rival to her own mother.

Theresa is a young woman in Megalena's social circle in Venice. She becomes infatuated with Leonardo and attempts to coordinate a secret tryst with him, drawing Megalena's violent wrath.

Latoni is a servant in the same household as Zofloya. He harbors a deep, fatal jealousy toward Zofloya due to the latter's talents and popularity among the staff.