# Rosa — Adam’s Breed character guide > Rosa in Adam’s Breed by Radclyffe Hall. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** III Rosa, Nonna, Berta, patient Rosa, IV Rosa, II Rosa **First appearance:** 0000-book-i ## Snapshot A patient foster-mother who nursed Gian-Luca at her breast and now watches her own children drift from the faith she holds dear. ## Who they are Rosa gave her milk to Gian-Luca, and that bond makes her the bridge between his old life and his marriage to Maddalena. She confides her griefs to Maddalena—a daughter who will marry at a register office, a son-in-law who calls himself an agnostic, a homesick husband who keeps postponing their return to Italy. Her patient, wounded piety and her loyalty to the foster-child she raised give the novel its texture of ordinary immigrant endurance. ## Relationships ### [Gian-Luca](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/gian_luca) _friendship_ Gian-Luca and Rosa are close friends and confidants, sharing a warm and supportive bond. ### [Mario Varese](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/mario_varese) _friendship_ Mario Varese and Rosa share a friendly, supportive relationship, likely as mutual friends of Gian-Luca. ### [Geppe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/geppe) _friendship_ Geppe and Rosa are friends or allies, with a warm and cooperative dynamic. ### [Nerone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/nerone) _friendship_ Nerone and Rosa are close friends, with a bond of mutual trust and companionship. ### [Gian-Luca](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/gian_luca) _friendship_ Gian-Luca and Rosa are close friends and confidants, sharing a warm and supportive bond. ### [Mario Varese](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/mario_varese) _friendship_ Mario Varese and Rosa share a friendly, supportive relationship, likely as mutual friends of Gian-Luca. ### [Geppe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/geppe) _friendship_ Geppe and Rosa are friends or allies, with a warm and cooperative dynamic. ### [Mario Varese](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/mario_varese) _friendship_ Mario Varese and Rosa share a friendly, supportive relationship, likely as mutual friends of Gian-Luca. ### [Gian-Luca](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/gian_luca) _friendship_ Gian-Luca and Rosa are close friends and confidants, sharing a warm and supportive bond. ### [Nerone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/nerone) _friendship_ Nerone and Rosa are close friends, with a bond of mutual trust and companionship. ### [Nerone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/nerone) _friendship_ Nerone and Rosa are close friends, with a bond of mutual trust and companionship. ### [Geppe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/geppe) _friendship_ Geppe and Rosa are friends or allies, with a warm and cooperative dynamic. ## In the story ### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/book-i) Referenced as a maternal or nurturing figure. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) The grandmother, a source of warmth and care for Gian-Luca. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Rosa is implied as the deceased mother of Gian-Luca, referred to as 'its mother over there'. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) The wet nurse who emerges as a concrete figure associated with feeding and comfort. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Gian-Luca's wet nurse, still grieving her own dead baby; cries often and is emotionally distant. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Prepares to cry over Gian-Luca's mistake but is silenced by Teresa. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Weans Gian-Luca, now laughs and smiles, takes him to church, and cautions him not to tell Nonna. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) The servant who cares for Gian-Luca, calling him affectionate names and providing warmth, in contrast to Teresa's coldness. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Referred to as Nonna; Gian-Luca recalls her examining his hair and eyes, feeling that she hated his hair. She whispers with Fabio about Olga and Gian-Luca's appearance, and coldly tells him to go to sleep. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Avoids Gian-Luca's questions about Olga, distracts him with flowers, and has a daughter named Berta. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as Nonna who will guard the shop while Fabio takes Gian-Luca for a walk. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) A household member who scolds Gian-Luca for crying, teaches him Italian, and is pregnant and irritable due to her husband's infidelity. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Grown cross, she is easily tormented by Gian-Luca, especially regarding her ornate watch, and threatens to tell Nonna. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as Nonna, whose absence at school makes Gian-Luca less naughty; her ugly Berta is contrasted with other children. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Deeply shocked by Gian-Luca's schooling; gives him a rosary. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Pious and hopeful that Gian-Luca's schooling will include religious instruction; she is dutiful and attends Mass regularly with Mario. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) The family's servant, from whom Gian-Luca is weaned, marking a significant transition in his early life. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Geppe's mother, mentioned as the mother of the turbulent child Geppe. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Rosa brings her children to supper, defends their behavior, and discusses Mario's bunion and the Padrone's purchase of French pasta. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Her children howl; her voice is loud and shrill. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Mario's wife, who never listens to his stories. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Scrubs the house and puts bedding out in the sun, only to have it covered with smuts. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Supports Mario's dreams but tactfully steers the conversation toward a feasible destination, suggesting Kew Gardens. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vii) Nonna involved in Gian-Luca's weaning. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Busy preparing the luncheon basket and dressing the children, cross but affectionate, manages the household with authority. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Manages the children and exchanges burdens with Mario; her fringe comes out of curl. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Complains and scratches her nettle-rash; wears a conspicuous yellow poke bonnet. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Protests the heat and fatigue, but ultimately supports Mario; her hat slips and she looks dusty and tired. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Whines about feeling sick and tears her white frock on a branch. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Holds Geppe's sticky hand on the bus, carries him home asleep. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Lies in bed beside Mario, watching him with a smile as he recounts their day. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Interrupts the conversation between Mario and Gian-Luca, disapproving of verses. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Referred to as Berta, she visits the shop and argues with Gian-Luca. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Referenced as Berta, the person Gian-Luca longs to pinch like he pinches rude customers. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Constantly wipes her eyes for unknown mothers affected by the Boer War. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/xi) Nonna involved in the weaning process from Gian-Luca. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Rosa is mentioned by Mario as someone Gian-Luca might no longer wish to accompany. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Recalled by Mario as having given Gian-Luca milk when he was little. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Visits with Berta on weekends to pass the time. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vi) Seen at Nerone's door with curlers, smiling and teasing Gian-Luca about his smart appearance. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/book-ii) Nonna, providing familial support and continuity. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Rosa joins the others in admiring Teresa's success. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Rosa weeps and pleads for Geppe when Nerone threatens him, and she envies Geppe the chance to see Italy through military service. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Struggles with language barriers and her daughter Berta's refusal to speak Italian; worries about the family's cultural and spiritual drift. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Now a smart shop assistant who uses flattery to sell clothes, skips Mass for leisure, and speaks only English, asserting her independence. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) One of the few people Gian-Luca is fond of and who returns his affection. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Buys and embroiders two double sheets as a wedding gift. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vi) Weeps during the wedding. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vii) Patiently receives Mario's reminiscent advances during the feast. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Visits Maddalena often, sharing memories of Gian-Luca's infancy and worrying about Geppe's military service and Berta's agnostic marriage. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Decides to marry Albert Cole, an agnostic, at a register office, rejecting the Church and children, which distresses Rosa. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Disconcerted by Berta's twins; living near Battersea Bridge. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vi) Tells Maddalena that Gian-Luca was always a strange, self-sufficient boy but pure gold at bottom. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Gian-Luca's wet nurse, from whom he is weaned, causing him great distress. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Frets about her son Geppe being away and wishes he were home. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Maddalena thinks of Rosa when Geppe is mentioned. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Overjoyed at Geppe's return, she weeps and expresses her belief that Geppe will help Italy use its sword. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vi) Grown fat and breathless, she is burdened with caring for Berta's twins, struggling to satisfy their fussy feeding demands. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Anxious about Nerone's excitement and Geppe's well-being, forcing back tears to appear strong. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Her eyes swim with tears yet shine with a rainbow of promise; she alone knows Geppe's fear and prays for his courage. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ix) Present with Berta's twins; cries and embraces Gian-Luca. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vii) Nonna who weans Gian-Luca in an early episode. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Takes the twins to the Tube for safety during the raids. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Comforts Nerone after Fabio's death. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Arrives every morning with the twins to help in the shop, sent by Nerone. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Returns home to Nerone after Millo's assistants arrive. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Weeps for Geppe's fear in his final hours; later places flowers before his picture. ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/book-iii) Nonna, who assists in the weaning process. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iv) Joins Teresa and Mario in questioning Maddalena about Gian-Luca. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Deeply wounded by Gian-Luca's neglect; cries over Geppe's death and Mario's demotion. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Referenced indirectly through Gian-Luca's memory of his lonely childhood, though not present in the scene. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/v) Gian-Luca's wet nurse, from whom he is abruptly weaned, causing him deep emotional distress. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/vii) Gian-Luca's wet nurse, from whom he is weaned, marking a significant emotional transition. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ix) Nonna, from whom Gian-Luca is weaned. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Wails about her love for Gian-Luca and recalls his elegance as a child. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Unburdens her heart about Mario's troubles at the Capo; is comforted by Gian-Luca, who calls her 'Mother' for the first time. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Mentioned in Gian-Luca's recollection of his childhood, along with Berta and Geppe. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/xii) The grandmother, whose weaning of Gian-Luca is recalled as a formative trauma. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as one of those who question Maddalena about Gian-Luca's whereabouts. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as the foster-mother who loved Gian-Luca and will accompany Maddalena to Lyndhurst. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/ii) Weeps openly for Gian-Luca, clinging to Mario's arm. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/chapters/iii) Sobs over Gian-Luca, saying he was born in their midst; leaves the stable with Mario. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters/rosa - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/adam_s_breed_se/characters