Character Relationship Map: Black Journal

Characters

• Lea (played by Shelley Winters) — protagonist

  Mature Neapolitan woman running a box office and mother of Michele. Obsessively protective, she believes she stole him from Death. To prevent his military service or separation, she kills three spinst...

• Lisa Carpi / Carabinieri Marshal (played by Max von Sydow) — supporting

  The new marshal leads an investigation into Berta Maner's disappearance. He questions Stella Kraus about Berta's supposed journey to America and examines a cousin's account that Berta never arrived in...

• Stella Kraus / Carabiniere (played by Renato Pozzetto) — supporting

  Stella Kraus is questioned in connection with Berta Maner's disappearance. Angry at the interrogation and at rumors that she is a prostitute who pays young men, she rejects the accusations and declare...

• Michele (played by Antonio Marsina) — supporting

  Michele is mentioned in connection with bringing a young, apparently innocent teacher to church and asking another woman for her opinion of her. This episode feeds the women's gossip about love and re...

• Lisa's Friend (played by Giancarlo Badessi) — minor

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Lisa Carpi / Carabinieri Marshal → Stella Kraus / Carabiniere (Professional Investigating Officer And Questioned Suspect) — Lisa questions Stella about Berta's disappearance and challenges the account that Berta left for America.

  The plot reference says Lisa Carpi / Carabinieri Marshal questions Stella Kraus about Berta Maner's disappearance.

• Lea → Michele (Family Mother And Son) — Lea is Michele's mother; her obsessive protectiveness toward him is a central element of her character profile.

  Lea's character profile identifies Michele as her son.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Lisa's Friend → Lisa Carpi / Carabinieri Marshal (friend)

Story Analysis

Lea's arrival brings her into a troubled community whose private wounds are followed by an unresolved investigation into Berta's disappearance.

Plot Progression

1. A Stranger Among the Women — Lea arrives in a new town and encounters a circle of women. Their conversations about relationships and sexuality expose emotional pain, while Lea faces loneliness and uncertainty.
2. Pain Behind Closed Doors — Tina is ordered to leave, and a distressed woman turns to Lea for help. Lea comforts her and urges her to escape an abusive man, but the woman admits she is afraid to leave.
3. Regret and Restlessness — A troubled companion speaks about America, lost love, regret, and past abortions. Their conversations deepen the picture of a community shaped by frustration and emotional dependence.
4. Questions About Berta — After a religious speech about death, resurrection, and evil, the new marshal's arrival is announced. Lisa questions Stella about Berta's disappearance and examines a letter describing a failed meetin...
5. Suspicion Without Answers — Lisa presses Stella about Berta's money and the inconsistencies surrounding her departure. Stella rejects the accusations angrily, while Berta's disappearance remains unresolved.