Character Relationship Map: Che tempi!

Characters

• Felice Pastorino (played by Gilberto Govi) — protagonist

  Rich Genoese merchant and Anna's father. Initially favors his wealthy but narrow-minded cousin Alessandro as a suitor, but ultimately accepts Eugenio after he proves his fortune and agrees to manage t...

• Eugenio Devoto (played by Walter Chiari) — supporting

  A young sailor who falls in love with Anna. Leaves for South America to seek his fortune, keeps his promise, returns from Argentina, interrupts her wedding to Alessandro, and eventually becomes the co...

• Alessandro Raffo (played by Paolo Stoppa) — supporting

  Felice's wealthy but narrow-minded and opportunistic cousin. Proposed as a suitable husband for Anna, she feels no sympathy for him but nearly marries him out of resignation before Eugenio's dramatic...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Felice Pastorino → Alessandro Raffo (Family Cousin) — Their family connection influences Felice's preference for Alessandro as a marriage candidate.

  Alessandro is explicitly described as Felice Pastorino's cousin.

Story Dynamics

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

• Felice Pastorino → Eugenio Devoto (Conflict Romantic Rival) — Felice and Eugenio initially oppose each other over the daughter's marriage.

  Felice initially favors Alessandro, while Eugenio returns to marry Felice's daughter and interrupts the wedding.

• Eugenio Devoto → Alessandro Raffo (Conflict Romantic Rival) — The two men compete for the same marriage and emotional future.

  Alessandro is preparing to marry the woman Eugenio loves when Eugenio returns and publicly objects to the wedding.

Story Analysis

A delayed promise of love overcomes family pressure, social calculation, and years of separation.

Plot Progression

1. A Promise at the Harbor — Felice favors his wealthy cousin Alessandro, but his daughter falls in love with the young sailor Eugenio. After being rejected, Eugenio promises to return and leaves for South America.
2. Years of Uncertainty — Time passes without Eugenio's return, while Felice's daughter continues to remember him. Felice presses her toward Alessandro as hope gradually gives way to resignation.
3. The Interrupted Ceremony — The arranged wedding to Alessandro finally begins. Eugenio returns from Argentina and dramatically stops the ceremony by shouting from the church.
4. Love Reclaims Its Future — Eugenio approaches Felice's daughter and declares that he has never forgotten her. She confirms her love, reopening the possibility of their marriage.
5. A Genoese Resolution — Eugenio satisfies Felice by agreeing to direct the company's Genoa branch rather than taking his daughter away. Felice finally accepts the relationship.