A Simple Story

A central Sicilian figure whose presence hints at broader networks influencing the investigation. His ties to the local community create a web of intrigue that complicates who can be trusted. The film uses his character to explore how knowledge and status shape the pursuit of truth in a tight-knit region.

Estranged widow of the ambassador; her arrival underscores a deep family rift and potential motives hidden within the marriage. Her presence intensifies the sense that the case involves secrets kept by those closest to the deceased. She embodies the personal stakes behind the public investigation.

A Verona-born medicine representative whose testimony anchors the sequence of discoveries. He clarifies what the investigators actually witnessed at the station and how misinterpretations may have occurred. His account helps reframe key moments in the case.

A seasoned detective within the local police who challenges the official line. His skepticism about the inspector’s involvement adds tension to the inquiry and highlights the friction within law enforcement. He embodies a cautious, probing stance in a complex case.

The Police Commissioner who pushes for a straightforward suicide explanation. His stance represents official convenience, often clashing with more speculative theories. He serves as a symbol of institutional authority faced with ambiguous evidence.

The ambassador’s son arriving amid a family rift; his interactions reveal the strained relationships that color motives and loyalty. He adds to the sense that private grievances may underlie public tragedy. His presence emphasizes the personal stakes for the deceased’s family.

Local parish priest who oversees the community’s life and the surrounding properties. He represents the moral authority of the town and can be a gatekeeper of local knowledge. His role hints at how religious and community ties influence the handling of the case.

The prosecutor who demands solid, cast-iron evidence before moving forward. He embodies legal caution and the pressure to build a watertight case in a murky scenario. His stance underscores the procedural constraints surrounding the investigation.

The train conductor whose testimony becomes a part of the critical evidence chain. He represents the practical witnesses that anchor the timeline of events. His role shows how ordinary workers intersect with extraordinary crime in a rural setting.

A Carabinieri colonel involved in cross-agency coordination. He embodies the military-like discipline of Italian law enforcement and helps connect different investigative strands. His presence signals seriousness and authority in the case.

The police chief who oversees the area’s law enforcement response. His leadership is tested by the complexity of the case and the competing pressures on investigators. He represents top-level accountability and decision-making.