A Place in the World

Ernesto is introspective and curious, growing from a boy who loved horses and trains into a young man shaped by memory and discovery. Through his narration, we see how his fascination with rocks and the outside world intersects with his loyalty to his town. His romantic longing for Luciana complicates his choices as he faces powerful interests closing in on his community. By the end, he vows to find his own place in the world, balancing memory with future possibilities.

Ana is the town’s doctor and a steady, compassionate presence in Ernesto’s life and the community. She balances medical duties with familial support, underpinning the town’s resilience. Her decisions reflect the ethical weight of caring for people amid economic and political pressures. She anchors the family with care and moral clarity.

Mario is a stubborn yet principled wool trader who runs a cooperative to uplift farmers. He takes a radical stand by burning the wool shed to rally the community against exploitation. His actions and eventual death leave a lasting impact on Ernesto, fueling his resolve to understand his place in a changing world. He embodies the tension between local integrity and external pressures.

Hans is a charismatic geologist who becomes a bridge between the town and outside interests. He initially appears as a mentor but is revealed to be tied to a multinational plan for the dam. He forms a bond with the family and teaches Ernesto about rocks and geology, expanding the boy’s horizons before departing for Spain. His presence intensifies the conflict between knowledge and power.

Luciana is Ernesto’s love interest, whose relationship with him faces her father’s disapproval. Their clandestine meetings symbolize the hopeful, forbidden longing for a life beyond the town’s constraints. Her presence challenges Ernesto to imagine a future that could transcend local boundaries. She stands as a catalyst for his personal and emotional growth.

Andrada is the town’s mayor and a shrewd operator who realises his aim to extract land value for the dam. He leverages fear and economic pressure to push farmers to sell cheaply, aligning with corporate interests. His actions drive the central conflict, testing the community’s resolve and Ernesto’s sense of justice. He embodies the political face of development at odds with local livelihoods.