Padron ’Ntoni Malavoglia

Padron ’Ntoni Malavoglia (pronounced N-toh-nee mah-lah-VOHL-yee-ah) is the patriarch of a once-prosperous family residing by the medlar tree. As the head of the Malavoglia family, he is a figure of authority and tradition, struggling to maintain the family's dignity and legacy amidst financial decline and personal losses.

Bastianazzo

Bastianazzo (pronounced bah-stee-ahn-NAHZ-zoh) is Padron ’Ntoni's son. Driven by ambition, he makes a fateful decision to transport black beans to Riposto, hoping for significant profit. This venture ends in disaster when his boat, the Provvidenza, is wrecked, causing financial ruin for the family.

La Longa

La Longa is Bastianazzo’s wife, characterized by her distrust of Uncle Crucifix, the local moneylender. Despite her suspicions, she is compelled to sign over her rights to the family house to Uncle Crucifix's assignee when he insists on repayment for the loan on the lost beans. Her life ends tragically when she succumbs to cholera.

’Ntoni

’Ntoni is the eldest son of Bastianazzo and La Longa. After returning from military service, he becomes involved in smuggling activities. His illegal endeavors lead to his capture, and he is consequently sentenced to five years in the galleys.

Luca

Luca (pronounced LEW-kah) is the second son of the family. His life is cut short when he is conscripted into the military and ultimately killed in battle, further adding to the family's grief and hardship.

Alessio

Alessio (pronounced ah-LEHS-see-oh) is the youngest son of the Malavoglia family. He plays a crucial role in the family's recovery by earning enough money to reclaim their home by the medlar tree, symbolizing hope and resilience amidst adversity.

Mena

Mena (pronounced MEH-nah) is the eldest daughter of the Malavoglia family. Her character is intertwined with Alfio Mosca, a carter who harbors feelings for her, though her own aspirations and desires remain within the confines of familial duty and expectation.

Lia

Lia (pronounced LEE-ah) is the youngest daughter of the Malavoglia family. She becomes the object of affection for Don Michele, adding complexity to her character as she navigates the intricacies of love and societal expectations.

Uncle Crucifix Dumbbell

Uncle Crucifix Dumbbell is a shrewd local usurer who capitalizes on the misfortunes of others. He takes possession of the Malavoglia family's house after they fail to repay his loan, initially provided for the purchase of beans. His actions exemplify the harsh economic realities faced by the family.

Goosefoot

Goosefoot serves as Uncle Crucifix’s assistant, playing a pivotal role in the usurer's scheming. Uncle Crucifix pretends to transfer his loan rights to Goosefoot, believing this subterfuge will facilitate easier debt collection, highlighting the manipulative practices of the era.

Don Michele

Don Michele is the commander of the coast guard, whose life is dramatically impacted by his encounter with ’Ntoni. He is stabbed by ’Ntoni, an event that underscores the tensions and conflicts arising from the latter's smuggling activities.

Alfio Mosca

Alfio Mosca (pronounced ahl-FEE-oh MOHS-kah) is a diligent carter with a deep affection for Mena. His love for her adds a layer of romantic tension and sincerity, reflecting the genuine human connections amidst the family's struggles.