Character Relationship Map: The Children Thief

Characters

• Bigua (played by Marcello Mastroianni) — protagonist

  Bigua is the former Argentine colonel at the center of the story, now a wealthy exile living in Paris. Unable to have children with his beloved wife, he takes in abandoned children, feeding and clothi...

• Desposoria (played by Ángela Molina) — supporting

  Desposoria is the beloved wife of the former colonel, who lives with him in Paris. She has been unable to bear children, a circumstance that shapes their life together and helps explain why he welcome...

• Mr. Armand (played by Michel Piccoli) — supporting

  Mr. Armand is a stage magician whose arrival changes the atmosphere in the colonel’s household. He places his very attractive daughter there, prompting lively romantic interest from the boys and from...

• Gabrielle (played by Virginie Ledoyen) — supporting

  Gabrielle is the very attractive daughter whom a stage magician places in the colonel’s household. Her presence stirs romantic interest among the boys living there and also attracts the colonel, makin...

• Rose (played by Nada Strancar) — supporting
• Joseph (played by Loïc Even) — supporting
• Antoine's mother (played by Cécile Pallas) — supporting
• L'argentin 1 (played by Gabriele Tinti) — supporting
• Simon (played by Mathieu Bisson) — supporting

Story Analysis

A childless exiled colonel's peaceful household is transformed when a magician's daughter arrives, stirring romantic tensions across generations.

Plot Progression

1. The Void of Wealth — A wealthy exiled colonel and his childless wife navigate their empty Parisian mansion. To fill the emotional gap, they decide to adopt and raise abandoned children as their own family.
2. The Magician's Gambit — A stage magician arrives and places his attractive daughter into the colonel's household. The daughter's presence immediately disrupts the established peaceful routine of the estate.
3. Sparks of Desire — Romantic interest ignites among both the adopted boys and the colonel himself toward the daughter. Household dynamics shift as unspoken tensions and new affections surface.
4. Harmonious Resolution — The family unit adapts to the new romantic realities without conflict. The household embraces the changes, maintaining its pleasant and enjoyable existence in the fantasy setting.