Book I
Appears as a significant character, likely connected to Gian-Luca.
VII
Gian-Luca's wife, grieving over childlessness.
XI
Gian-Luca's wife, whose grief over childlessness and eventual farewell are pivotal.
XII
Gian-Luca bids her farewell.
XIII
Bids farewell to Gian-Luca.
Book II
Gian-Luca's wife, dealing with grief over childlessness.
I
New to the Doric, homesick from Rome, shares her past with Gian-Luca, works in the still-room.
II
Blushes and prays to make a good impression during family inspection.
III
Dressed in white, accepts Gian-Luca unconditionally, and offers maternal comfort.
IV
Takes Gian-Luca to the Italian church and persuades him to marry in a church, seeking a blessing on their love.
V
Wants to live with Aunt Ottavia; pleased to have her own kitchen.
VI
Pale and lovely in her wedding dress; prays for many children.
VII
The bride, also shy and quiet, expresses contentment with no honeymoon, prioritizing Gian-Luca's happiness.
I
Devoted wife who senses Gian-Luca does not truly love her; sacrifices her own time and comfort to please him, growing resigned.
II
Devout and loving wife who prays constantly for Gian-Luca, longs to cook for him, and treasures their monthly day off.
III
Lonely and yearning for a child, she feels she has inherited Gian-Luca's loneliness and dreams of a son with ashen blond hair.
IV
Visits Father Antonio and the church, then Aunt Ottavia.
V
Accompanies Gian-Luca to Brighton; saves the extra money from his raise.
VI
Grieves over her childlessness, loves Gian-Luca with desperate maternal devotion, hides her fears behind a patient and strong facade.
V
Gian-Luca's mother, who grieves over her childlessness and struggles with her son's independence.
III
Waits for Gian-Luca, tries to comfort him and reminds him of England's shelter.
VIII
Hides her relief at Gian-Luca's non-combat role, prays to the Madonna that he never gets transferred.
IX
Angry at Teresa's coldness, but promises to help Rosa at Gian-Luca's request.
VII
Gian-Luca's wife; they meet, marry, and she grieves their inability to have children.
I
Visits the Casa Boselli daily and serves in the old shop, only vaguely suspecting the full extent of the trouble.
II
Anxious about Gian-Luca's brief letters and prays for his safety, consulting Father Antonio for reassurance.
III
Observes the crisis, admires Teresa's grit, but resolves to protect Gian-Luca's savings.
I
Visits Teresa in the evenings, sharing news of Gian-Luca in France, hoping to soften Teresa's attitude toward him.
II
Stays on as head of new assistants; writes guardedly to Gian-Luca about events.
IV
Inherits Aunt Ottavia's wealth, sells the house, and prays fervently for Gian-Luca's safety, longing for his return.
VI
Overjoyed at Gian-Luca's return but becomes anxious and unhappy as she notices his changed behavior; prays to the Madonna for help.
III
Gian-Luca shares his thoughts on Doria's poem with her, referencing her God.
IV
Deeply anxious about Gian-Luca's change; seeks reassurance from Father Antonio and struggles with fear of being hated.
V
Gian-Luca's wife, happy to see him joyful again.
IV
Sleeps through Gian-Luca's outburst, moaning in her sleep as if sharing his suffering.
I
Gian-Luca smiles at her and assures her of Doria's genius after his wild night.
III
Fears for Gian-Luca's health, tries to protect him, is struck by him, and prays silently in distress.
I
Brings Gian-Luca his dinner, feels lonely and homesick for Italy, longs to show Gian-Luca the footprint in stone.
II
Watches Gian-Luca from the window with 'questioning desolate eyes,' symbolizing her childlessness and their strained relationship.
III
Gently comforts Gian-Luca, strokes his hair, forgives him for striking her, and sits by him as he sleeps.
IV
Wakes Gian-Luca from his nightmare and soothes him like a child.
I
Nurses Gian-Luca with devotion, but her grief over childlessness and loneliness is palpable.
II
Nurses Gian-Luca with care and patience, though she cannot understand his need to revisit the source of his sadness.
IV
Comforts Gian-Luca but is infected by his sadness; urges him to find peace in the Church.
VI
Maddalena is mentioned as having been visited by Millo, who arranges for Gian-Luca to see a doctor.
VII
Gian-Luca goes home to her after the doctor's visit to assure her he is sound.
VIII
Overjoyed at the prospect of returning to Italy; describes her cousins Sisto and Lidia and the farm near Levanto.
I
Travels with Gian-Luca, obediently walks when he insists, and rejoices in his hopeful words.
II
Easily integrates with the peasants, rolling up her sleeves to gather grapes, contrasting with Gian-Luca's detachment.
III
Accompanies Gian-Luca; whispers to him that the vendemmia is better in Romagna, but does not want to offend Sisto.
VII
First encountered by Gian-Luca, becoming a central figure in his life.
I
Anxious about Gian-Luca's discomfort; pleads for patience and reminds him of his improving health.
II
Feels ashamed of Gian-Luca's lack of religion; grows fond of Lidia and enjoys peasant life; struggles to accept Gian-Luca's view that animals suffer.
III
Horrified and ashamed by Gian-Luca's act, her face red with embarrassment.
IV
Reluctant to leave the farm, hopeful that Gian-Luca is recovering.
V
Defends Gian-Luca's actions and confronts Lidia and Sisto.
VI
Weeps during the journey, grieves the unhappy ending of their visit, and is consoled by Gian-Luca.
II
Accepts Gian-Luca's decision quietly, tries to learn finances, and expresses her devotion.
III
Grows afraid and refuses to leave Gian-Luca's side; protests his shabby clothes and his giving away of belongings; takes pride in his appearance.
I
Mentioned as weak and unable to control Gian-Luca, according to Millo.
III
Fiercely resists Gian-Luca's departure, then surrenders with a maternal blessing.
I
Gian-Luca's wife who packs his suitcase with flannels, food, and lavender sprigs; he feels gratitude and guilt toward her.
XI
Gian-Luca bids her farewell.
I
Exchanged brief letters with Gian-Luca; he keeps his promise to write weekly.
IV
Mentioned as no longer present to remind Gian-Luca to eat.
XII
Gian-Luca's wife, who grieves their childlessness and struggles to understand his condition.
II
Gian-Luca resolves not to write home for money so as not to rob her.
III
Writes a heartfelt letter expressing her love, loneliness, and childless grief, pleading for Gian-Luca's return.
Epilogue
Parting from Gian-Luca, embodying the grief and finality of their separation.
I
Brings the death letter to Teresa, plans the journey to Lyndhurst, and rebukes Teresa for her past coldness toward Gian-Luca.
II
Expresses doubt in God's mercy and superstitious dread over Gian-Luca's unshriven death.
III
Kisses Gian-Luca's forehead, weeps for her unborn children and for Gian-Luca, experiencing profound sorrow.
