III
Rosa's husband, a waiter at the Capo di Monte; suffers from a bunion and quarrels with Rosa in English.
IV
Rosa speaks to him about Gian-Luca's lack of religion.
V
Rosa's husband; a good son of the Church who attends Mass and Confession, though occasionally weak in matters of the flesh.
V
Gian-Luca's father, a distant figure who is often absent or preoccupied with work.
I
A waiter at the Capo di Monte, nearly thirty-three, with receding hair and a flashy gold ring. He boasts about his prowess and the Padrone's ambitions, and his holidays are frantic, work-filled escapes to the countryside.
II
Grows restless, breaks a dish at work, becomes less subtle with clients, and shaves carelessly, cutting his chin.
III
Proposes a grand day trip to Land's End, but is gently guided by Rosa to a more practical outing to Kew Gardens.
I
Excited for his holiday, fusses over his new brown boots and best suit, indulges Berta's wish to wear her white muslin dress.
II
Carries the hamper and argues with the conductor to keep it on his lap.
III
Leads the family on an exhausting tour of Kew Gardens, limping from new boots but refusing to slow down.
IV
Leads Berta and carries the hamper on the walk home.
V
Enthusiastically recounts the day's events to Rosa, checking off items on his fingers.
I
Gives Gian-Luca the book of verses, though he pretends not to know its origin.
II
Suggests Gian-Luca visit the Free Library for books.
IX
A figure of authority and potential mentorship, representing the world of work and adult responsibility.
II
Offers to help Gian-Luca become a waiter at the Capo di Monte, defends his restaurant against Nerone's insults.
I
Acts as Gian-Luca's mentor, giving detailed advice on restaurant etiquette and introducing him to the staff.
II
Arrives late with Gian-Luca, apologizes to the Padrone.
III
The good Mario who brought Gian-Luca to the Capo di Monte, advises him to walk with repose, and argues with Schmidt over table-setting.
IV
Has a disastrous day, spilling food on a client, making errors, and becoming increasingly nervous and hobbling.
V
Cheered up by Rosa but later wilts; is harshly shouted at by the Padrone and collapses in pain and tears.
I
Revealed as a cringing, servile, incompetent waiter who bragged falsely about his position; Gian-Luca perceives his bravado stems from self-abasement.
IV
An older waiter who jeers at Gian-Luca's love for the Padrona, calling it silly. He tries to protect Gian-Luca from Schmidt's influence but does so clumsily.
II
Helps Gian-Luca acquire a secondhand dress-suit and agrees to let him assist with tables.
III
Mario comments on Gian-Luca's rising social status, teasing him about becoming too grand.
IV
Mentioned as having a damp and creased collar in the stuffy restaurant.
V
Scolds Gian-Luca for his sulkiness and lack of gratitude for his job.
III
Gian-Luca speaks to him after the encounter, expressing his belief in future fortune.
IV
Sorrowful and servile, admits his own lameness and bitterness, advises Gian-Luca to forgive the Padrona.
VII
Leaves the Capo first; Gian-Luca is glad to see him but Mario does not notice Gian-Luca hiding.
I
Mario is part of the circle that respects Teresa's genius for business.
II
Mario is anxious and pious, hoping for promotion at the Capo but unwilling to anger Nerone. He reflects on his own past sins and worries about Geppe's future.
III
Overworked at the Capo, distressed by his children's divergence from Italian ways, and reflects on the impact of foreign soil on his family.
I
Mentioned as someone who hoped Gian-Luca would let go of anger.
II
Present during the family gathering at Old Compton Street.
VI
Coughs and blows his nose to hide his weeping.
VII
Drank Asti Spumante and made reminiscent love to patient Rosa.
I
Tries to reassure Rosa that the war is not Italy's and that Geppe will return.
VI
Endures the twins' colicky nights without complaint, showing patience amid the household chaos.
I
Expresses regret at being too old to fight alongside his son Geppe.
II
Filled with pride for having raised a man; his gaze is big, round, and full of manly pride.
III
Remains as the only waiter from the original staff, promoted to headwaiter with a salary raise.
V
Speaks kindly to Nerone after the funeral.
I
Comes in the afternoons to do odd jobs like dusting, polishing brass, and cleaning windows.
II
Can rest in the afternoons now that others do the cleaning.
III
Quiet and tearless in grief, he comforts Rosa and later writes an inscription for Geppe's portrait.
IV
Demands to know what is wrong with Gian-Luca, implying Maddalena is to blame.
I
Demoted from headwaiter at the Capo di Monte; feels old and depressed, bites his nails in distress.
V
Gian-Luca's father, whose secret packing cases and past are discovered by the boy.
I
Horrified by Gian-Luca's departure; recounts Gian-Luca's early glories as a waiter.
II
Is being mistreated by the new headwaiter at the Capo; hobbles away to work.
III
Recommended by Gian-Luca to Millo as a storeroom keeper.
I
Recalled in Gian-Luca's memories, limping with his bunion and urging 'avanti' at the Capo di Monte.
I
Listed among those who will go with Maddalena to Lyndhurst.
II
Mutters about Gian-Luca's kindness in securing him a post at the Doric.
III
Murmurs that Gian-Luca was born in their midst, cannot check his tears; leaves the stable with Rosa.
