Farinelli

A world-famous castrato whose voice defines an era, yet whose tenderness is shadowed by childhood trauma. He is fiercely devoted to his brother but torn between independence and family duty. His journey centers on surviving fame while holding onto humanity.

Carlo’s elder brother: talented, jealous, and endlessly ambitious. He uses charm and manipulation to secure status, creating a rift with Carlo. His actions are driven by a need to be recognized on his own terms.

A brilliant yet prowling composer who unsettles the brothers with his sharp wit and scheming. He sees in Farinelli a vehicle for great art, but uses manipulation to advance his own agenda. His revelation about their past catalyzes the brothers’ ultimate reckoning.

A woman in love with Carlo who also understands the brothers’ bond. She acts as a catalyst, stealing Handel’s music to help Carlo but also fueling courtly scheming. Her choices reflect loyalty and a desire to repair the rift between brothers.

Carlo’s former vocal teacher and a rival patron of the opera. He represents tradition and a competing power structure within the European opera scene. His influence highlights the clash between different schools of singing and patronage.

An educated noblewoman who admires Farinelli and sustains her own life within courtly constraints. She embodies dignity and intellect, often acting as a humane counterbalance to court intrigue. Her interactions reveal the social constraints of marriage and status.

The brothers’ father who pushes them toward performance and hides painful truths. His past actions underpin the trauma that shapes Carlo’s fear of losing his voice. He embodies the paternal authority that both enables and haunts the brothers.

A widow whose respect for tradition and for the late husband guides her decisions. Carlo tries to win her favor, but she refuses out of loyalty. Her stance illustrates the moral choices at the heart of court life.

The crippled son of Countess Mauer, who becomes a focal point for compassion and complexity in courtly life. His presence anchors the nobles’ humanity amid ambition and betrayal. He embodies the vulnerable, innocent voice within the political games.

The king whose court is a center of power and finance for the opera world. His patronage determines which works reach the stage and which voices rise to fame. His involvement shows the political dimension of art.