Professor Paolo Laurana

Professor Paolo Laurana (pah-OH-loh lahew-RAH-nah) is a middle-aged scholar specializing in Italian literature and history, residing in a small, unnamed Sicilian village. His life is marked by his bachelorhood and deep-seated attachment to his mother, with whom he has lived all his life. This background highlights his detachment from the complex power structures of his community. When a mysterious double murder occurs, involving two prominent townspeople, Laurana's academic curiosity and personal affection for Signora Luisa Roscio, the widow of one of the victims, propel him to investigate the crime. Driven by a blend of intellectual challenge and personal interest, Laurana follows the clues to Palermo, uncovering Dr. Roscio’s plan to expose a significant local scandal. Despite Laurana's logical mind and methodical approach, his academic arrogance and naïveté about human malice prove to be his downfall. His pursuit of knowledge, intended as intellectual diversion rather than justice, leads him into an inescapable trap, reflecting a tragic flaw akin to Greek drama. Ultimately, Laurana becomes a victim of the crime he intended to solve, unable to perceive the depths of deceit and danger surrounding him.

Rosello

Rosello is a lawyer, nephew to Dean Rosello, and cousin to Luisa Roscio. Known for his unscrupulous ambition and manipulative prowess, Rosello wields significant influence within the community. Although he is perceived by the rector of Sant’Anna as foolish yet cleverly so, Rosello's true nature reveals a ruthless pragmatism. He is rumored to have had an affair with Luisa, uncovered by Laurana during his investigation. While Rosello pretends to assist Laurana, his real intent is to gauge Laurana's findings. His charm and strategic connections, including alliances with Mafia figures like Ragana and aristocrats such as the Honorable Abello, showcase his multifaceted character. Rosello expertly navigates the political and social landscape, his career marked by roles on corporate boards and political councils. His confidence stems from the belief that any threats can be silenced, illustrating his prideful awareness of reality and his ability to manipulate it effectively. He embodies the hard-nosed Sicilian experience, adept at exploiting its intricacies to his advantage.

Signora Luisa Roscio

Signora Luisa Roscio is the alluring widow of Dr. Roscio and niece of Dean Rosello. Her voluptuous charm masks a calculated cunning as she conspires with her cousin Rosello to eliminate Laurana. While feigning interest in Laurana's efforts to bring Rosello to justice, she entices him with the promise of revealing her late husband's diary. This deceitful gesture, however, serves as a trap orchestrated with Rosello to ensure Laurana's permanent silence. Luisa's role in the conspiracy underscores her duplicity and the lengths she is willing to go to protect her own interests.

Dean Rosello

Dean Rosello is a devout clergyman presiding over the church of Sant’Anna. He is known for his scrupulous nature and sincere demeanor, which endear him to his parish. Dean Rosello is the uncle of Luisa, whom he raised alongside his nephew Rosello. During Laurana's visit to the sacristy, the dean’s edition of L’osservatore Romano provides a crucial clue—a threatening letter sent to the murdered pharmacist Manno originates from it. Despite his beloved reputation, Dean Rosello harbors contempt for his nephew Rosello, seeing him as morally compromised. This perception accentuates the dean’s internal conflict between familial duty and personal disdain.

Dr. Roscio

Dr. Roscio (ROHS-kee-oh) was a respected physician whose life ended tragically after a hunting trip with his friend, Manno, the town's pharmacist. Laurana's investigation reveals that Dr. Roscio had discovered his wife Luisa's infidelity with Rosello and subsequently collected damning evidence against the lawyer. Dr. Roscio intended to hand this dossier to a Communist deputy in Palermo, aiming to prompt an investigation into a local figure's corrupt actions. Unfortunately, Dr. Roscio was murdered before he could complete his plan, leaving his death shrouded in mystery—a mystery Laurana attempts to unravel. His tragic end amplifies the themes of betrayal and the pursuit of justice against insurmountable odds.