# Gino Carella — Where Angels Fear to Tread character guide > Gino Carella in Where Angels Fear to Tread by E. M. Forster. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Gino, Poor Gino, Signor Carella **First appearance:** 0001-ii ## Snapshot A handsome, penniless Italian dentist's son whose impulsive marriage to Lilia scandalizes the Herritons and whose fierce pride turns their polite interference into open war. ## Who they are Gino is young, charming, and utterly outside the Herritons' social world — exactly the kind of person Philip's Italy-worship never imagined. He loves Lilia with real passion, but he is also proud, quick-tempered, and unimpressed by English condescension. As the family tries to reclaim what they consider theirs, Gino becomes the immovable obstacle that exposes how little the Herritons understand about love, grief, or the country they claim to admire. ## Relationships ### [Philip Herriton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/characters/philip_herriton) _rivalry_ Gino and Philip are antagonists locked in a cultural and personal conflict over Lilia and her child, marked by hostility and grudging respect. ### [Lilia Theobald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/characters/lilia_theobald) _romantic_ Gino and Lilia have a passionate but ill-fated marriage, driven by physical attraction and cultural misunderstanding, ending in Lilia's unhappiness. ### [Caroline Abbott](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/characters/caroline_abbott) _psychological_ Caroline becomes emotionally entangled with Gino, oscillating between maternal concern for his child and a troubling, obsessive attraction. ### [Spiridione](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/characters/spiridione) _friendship_ Gino and Spiridione are close friends and business associates, with Spiridione acting as Gino's loyal confidant and helper. ### [Harriet Herriton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/characters/harriet_herriton) _rivalry_ Gino and Harriet are bitter enemies, with Harriet viewing him as a barbarian and Gino resenting her meddling in his family. ### [Mrs. Herriton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/characters/mrs_herriton) _rivalry_ Gino and Mrs. Herriton are adversaries, with Mrs. Herriton despising him for marrying Lilia and for his Italian peasant background. ### [Lilia Theobald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/characters/lilia_theobald) _romantic_ Gino and Lilia have a passionate but ill-fated marriage, driven by physical attraction and cultural misunderstanding, ending in Lilia's unhappiness. ### [Philip Herriton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/characters/philip_herriton) _rivalry_ Gino and Philip are antagonists locked in a cultural and personal conflict over Lilia and her child, marked by hostility and grudging respect. ### [Caroline Abbott](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/characters/caroline_abbott) _psychological_ Caroline becomes emotionally entangled with Gino, oscillating between maternal concern for his child and a troubling, obsessive attraction. ### [Caroline Abbott](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/characters/caroline_abbott) _psychological_ Caroline becomes emotionally entangled with Gino, oscillating between maternal concern for his child and a troubling, obsessive attraction. ### [Philip Herriton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/characters/philip_herriton) _rivalry_ Gino and Philip are antagonists locked in a cultural and personal conflict over Lilia and her child, marked by hostility and grudging respect. ### [Lilia Theobald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/characters/lilia_theobald) _romantic_ Gino and Lilia have a passionate but ill-fated marriage, driven by physical attraction and cultural misunderstanding, ending in Lilia's unhappiness. ## In the story ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/chapters/ii) Lilia's betrothed; displays crude manners and is revealed to be the son of a dentist. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/chapters/iii) Gino begins to assert control over Lilia's movements and social life, realizing his responsibilities as a husband. He is observed growing up and becoming more aware of class and gender dynamics. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/chapters/iv) Gino is portrayed as a young, passionate, and controlling husband, primarily focused on fathering a son. He is affectionate yet domineering, and his infidelity and cultural expectations drive Lilia further into despair. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/chapters/v) Gino writes a letter refusing the Herritons' offer to take the baby, citing his paternal heart and displeasure at the picture postcards. He is described by Miss Abbott as 'thoroughly wicked' but also as once seeming 'splendid' and 'sincere.' ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/chapters/vi) Gino is absent when Philip visits his house; he is away on business in Poggibonsi. Philip leaves a card requesting an interview. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/chapters/vii) Shows deep paternal devotion, washing his baby and speaking of his desire for a wife to help; unintentionally disarms Caroline's moral arguments. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/chapters/viii) Mentioned as having called on Miss Abbott to say goodbye; Philip notes his courteous and manipulative nature. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/chapters/ix) Overcome with grief and rage upon learning of his son's death; attacks Philip but is stopped by Miss Abbott and ultimately breaks down in sorrow. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/chapters/x) Mentioned in Philip's letter and Caroline's confession; his friendship and emotional honesty are highlighted. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/characters/gino_carella - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/where_angels_fear_to_tread_se/characters