Monk and scholar.
Former Italian Prime Minister kidnapped by the Red Brigades in 1978. He was a key advocate for the Historical Compromise government. His captivity drives the political backdrop of the film. Despite being held hostage, he writes letters, including one to the Pope, which profoundly impacts his captor. Ultimately sentenced to death by his kidnappers, his tragic fate leaves a lasting national trauma.
Elia is a maker of masks whom Leonardo approaches after Iris rejects him. Leonardo asks him for a mask intended to help win Iris's love while also punishing her resistance. Elia warns that fulfilling this request will take more than a single mask, linking his craft to Leonardo's growing preoccupation with disguise.
Luigi Pirandello is the deceased writer whose Nobel recognition, death, funeral wishes, cremation, and delayed return to Sicily form the film's central historical thread. His voice also introduces a later story based on a Brooklyn news report, linking the fate of his ashes with themes of memory, time, and human uncertainty.
Marianna's uncle and husband, whom she is induced to marry by her mother. She has three children by the age of sixteen. The story ultimately reveals that Pietro sexually abused Marianna, and the trauma of that violence caused her silence. His death leaves Marianna to manage her life and relationships without him.
A veteran teacher whose years in the school have made him deeply cynical. He warns Prof. Giovanni Prezioso that the students reject mathematics, art, and poetry, and describes his deliberately damaging practice of failing everyone before passing them all. His bitterness directly challenges Giovanni’s idealism.
A fellow political prisoner in the concentration camp. Represents the diverse group of inmates Pasqualino must navigate or sacrifice to maintain his survival status.
Professor Feldmann is a supporting character, possibly an acquaintance or contact of the main trio. His presence may relate to the theme of emigration or intellectual life, but specific plot details are not provided in the available summary. He appears to have limited screen time.
One of Berlusconi's most trusted men who urges him to take his job more seriously amid embarrassing international behavior, reflecting internal pressure on the leader.
Barabba appears as Pilato is being taken away under arrest. He tells Pilato that he is not death, an unexpected statement that leaves the governor's fate unresolved. The summary provides no further account of Barabba's role or relationship to Pilato.
Roberto Herlitzka has 70 screen credits in a career dating back to 1974. Their work spans 2 cinematic universes — most prominently Beach Party Collection with 1 titles. Signature works include The Name of the Rose, Blood of My Blood, Good Morning, Night. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
Universe traveler — spans 2 universes
Related entry on Wikidata (Q556069), public domain (CC0).
