Colonel Horacio da Silveira

Colonel Horacio da Silveira (oh-RAH-see-oh seel-vay-EE-rah) is a formidable figure among the cacao plantation owners, having risen from a former mule driver to become the wealthiest of them all. His ambition drives him to engage in a violent struggle for control over the Sequeiro Grande, a coveted land ideal for cacao cultivation. Married to the cultured Ester, with whom he has one son, Horacio remains loyal to her despite the pain of discovering her affair with Virgilio Cabral. When Ester succumbs to typhoid fever, Horacio is left to navigate both personal grief and the fierce land disputes. Utilizing a cadre of bodyguards and ruffians, he orchestrates a bloody campaign to defeat his rivals, ultimately outmaneuvering Sinhó Badaró and securing political power that legitimizes his territorial claims. His ruthless nature and strategic acumen ensure not only his survival but also his dominance in the region.

Sinhó Badaró

Sinhó Badaró (seen-YOH) stands as Horacio's principal adversary in the battle over the Sequeiro Grande. The widowed patriarch of the Badaró family and father to Don’Ana, Sinhó detests violence, instead seeking solace in his daily Bible readings. Despite his peaceful inclinations, he passionately defends his plantation from Horacio's advances. His commitment to his land is so profound that even after being wounded in a confrontation, he refuses to capitulate until forced to abandon his burning home. His resistance, although ultimately unsuccessful, demonstrates his unwavering dedication to his family's legacy.

Ester Silveira

Ester Silveira is Horacio's wife and the mother of his son. Her cultured background struggles to reconcile with the harsh realities of plantation life. Finding solace in her affair with Virgilio Cabral, she dreams of escaping Ilhéus's violence. Ester's care for Horacio during his illness reveals her complex nature, torn between love and longing for different circumstances. Tragically, she contracts typhoid fever, which claims her life shortly after nursing Horacio back to health, leaving a lingering impact on those she leaves behind.

Virgilio Cabral

Virgilio Cabral (veer-HEE-lee-oh kah-BRAHL) is a young lawyer from Bahía, dispatched to support Horacio by surveying the contested land in his favor. However, his professional and personal lives intertwine when he embarks on a passionate affair with Ester Silveira. Their love story, overshadowed by impending doom, finds its tragic conclusion when Horacio uncovers their liaison. Despite a forewarning, Virgilio accepts his fate, riding towards his death in pursuit of unity with his beloved Ester. His demise is orchestrated by Horacio, marking a poignant end to his role in the land wars.

João Magalhães

João Magalhães (zhoh-OWN mah-gahl-YAYS) is a charismatic gambler and drifter who claims a dubious background as a captain and military engineer. His fortune changes upon aligning with the Badaró family, for whom he conducts a fraudulent land survey. Despite his murky past, João becomes an indispensable ally, demonstrating adaptability in a land fraught with change. His romantic involvement with Don’Ana Badaró sees him integrate into the family, altering his surname to Badaró and ensuring the continuation of their lineage.

Don’Ana (Ana) Badaró

Don’Ana (Ana) Badaró (dohn-AHN-ah) is the courageous daughter of Sinhó Badaró, known for her intimate knowledge of the plantation and her fierce spirit. Orphaned at a young age, she shuns traditional femininity and embraces the role of protector for her family estate. Her encounter with João Magalhães stirs emotions she had long suppressed, leading to their eventual marriage. Ana’s valiant defense of her home against Horacio’s forces, firing the last bullet from the Badaró arsenal, earns her admiration from her adversaries, who allow her safe passage after their victory.

Juca Badaró

Juca Badaró (ZHEW-kah bah-dah-ROH) is more confrontational than his...