Between Miracles

Orphan Benedetto Parisi is a lively, curious young man formed by a strict religious upbringing. The narrative uses flashbacks to trace his journey from a devout boy in a village to a man torn between faith, desire, and the miracles that surround his life. He wrestles with his scruples as he encounters love, pregnancy, and social expectations, repeatedly finding himself at a crossroads between piety and flesh. His path reveals how belief, longing, and fate converge in a rural Italian setting.

A pharmacist who is openly atheist yet sympathetic to Benedict's longing for a different life. He acts as a counterpoint to the priestly world, guiding Benedict away from rigid faith and toward human connections, including his daughter Giovanna. Through his influence and his daughter's presence, the narrative explores the tension between rationalism, affection, and religious tradition.

Daughter of Oreste, Giovanna is a compassionate, modern woman who helps Benedict see life beyond scruples. She becomes the love interest and, at times, a catalyst for change, including her pregnancy which tests loyalties and social norms. Her presence in Benedict's life drives his decision to pursue a future that blends love with responsibility.

Immacolata is Giovanna's mother, a devout and socially ambitious woman who treats religion as a tool to maneuver an advantageous marriage for her daughter. Her scheming underlines the conflict between religious propriety and social climbing in a close-knit community.

A maiden aunt who is religious yet entangled in libertine assignations. She shapes Benedict's early view of morality through secrecy and manipulation, using his innocence to bolster her own social standing and control over events.

A friar at the convent who embodies the clerical authority in Benedict's formative years. He represents the church's gaze and the expectations placed on a boy growing up under religious discipline. His presence highlights the conflict between spiritual guidance and personal doubt.