Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

An elderly marquis returns to his homeland while facing fascist persecution. A fire kills his butler, leading him to assume the dead man's identity.

Exile and Return — An elderly marquis persecuted by fascism returns home to sell a property. Location: The marquis's homeland
The Building Fire — The marquis arrives while his building is on fire. Location: The palace
The Butler Dies — The marquis's butler dies during the building fire. Location: The burning palace
Identity Substitution — The marquis takes the butler's place to avoid persecution. Location: The palace

The Fascist Party seeks control of the building. A false will instead transfers the palace to Rosalia and Vincenzo, changing the property struggle.

Fascist Appropriation — The Fascist Party attempts to appropriate the building. Location: The palace
The False Will — A false will gives the palace to the country's poorest couple. Location: The notary's office
New Palace Owners — Rosalia and Vincenzo take possession of the building. Characters: Rosalia, Vincenzo Labate Location: The palace
Rosalia Draws Attention — Rosalia's beauty and reserve attract the disguised marquis. Characters: Rosalia, Vincenzo Labate Location: The palace

Rosalia's presence attracts the disguised marquis after Vincenzo leaves. Their love develops in the legendary sirocco room.

Vincenzo Departs — Vincenzo leaves the building, creating space for the marquis's pursuit. Characters: Vincenzo Labate, Rosalia Location: The palace
Love Confession — The disguised marquis confesses his love to Rosalia after Vincenzo leaves. Characters: Rosalia Location: The palace
The Sirocco Room — The basement room is associated with an old legend. Characters: Rosalia Location: The basement sirocco room
The Collapse Legend — The legend claims that three shouts can bring down the whole building. Characters: Rosalia Location: The basement sirocco room
Secret Passion — The marquis and Rosalia consummate their passionate love in the room. Characters: Rosalia Location: The basement sirocco room

Rosalia is forced to leave after her feelings are discovered. The marquis promises to wait in the sirocco room and take her to Paris.

Secret Passion — The marquis and Rosalia consummate their passionate love in the room. Characters: Rosalia Location: The basement sirocco room
Feelings Discovered — Rosalia's parents discover or sense her feelings for the marquis. Characters: Rosalia Location: The palace
Rosalia Is Forced Away — Rosalia is forced to leave the palace and return to her family home. Characters: Rosalia Location: The palace
The Marquis Pursues — The marquis follows Rosalia and promises to wait for her. Characters: Rosalia Location: The road from the palace
Promise Beneath The Room — The marquis says he will take Rosalia to Paris after deceiving his fascist pursuers. Characters: Rosalia Location: The sirocco room

The marquis waits in vain, and three cries bring down the palace. He later meets Rosalia at the sea, where they escape together by motorboat.

The Empty Wait — The marquis waits in vain and enters a delirious state. Location: The sirocco room
Palace Collapse — Three cries in the room trigger the collapse of the palace onto the marquis. Location: The palace and sirocco room
Escape By Sea — Rosalia and the marquis meet at the waiting motorboat and flee toward freedom. Characters: Rosalia Location: The sea

Story Breakdown

Return And Fire — The marquis returns home under fascist persecution and loses his butler in a fire.
- Homeland Return — The elderly marquis comes back to sell a property.
- Butler's Death — The building fire kills the butler.
Borrowed Identity — The marquis assumes another identity to avoid persecution and continue his plans.
- Identity Substitution — He takes the dead butler's place.
- Fascist Pressure — The Fascist Party seeks to appropriate the palace.
False Property Transfer — A false will redirects ownership of the palace to a poor married couple.
- False Will — The document assigns the palace to the poorest couple.
- New Occupants — Rosalia and Vincenzo take possession of the building.
Forbidden Romance — The disguised marquis falls in love with Rosalia after Vincenzo leaves.
- Love Confession — The marquis confesses his feelings to Rosalia.
- Basement Passion — Their romance is consummated in the sirocco room.
Legend And Separation — The room's destructive legend becomes linked to the lovers' forced separation.
- Three Shouts — The legend says three shouts can collapse the building.
- Forced Departure — Rosalia is sent away after her feelings are discovered.
Collapse And Escape — The marquis's failed wait leads to the palace's destruction before a final escape by sea.
- Palace Collapse — Three cries trigger the destruction of the palace.
- Motorboat Freedom — Rosalia and the marquis meet at sea and flee together.