The Conspirators

Cornacchia's Jewish workshop assistant who becomes entangled in romance and politics. She wrestles with divided loyalties as she watches conspirators risk everything, while her own feelings shift between Montanari and Targhini. Her awareness of hidden truths adds emotional depth to the unfolding drama.

The Pontifical Guard commander who oversees the crackdown on the conspiracy. He is pragmatic, unyielding, and ready to use manipulation and swift justice to maintain order. His authority drives the central conflict and the fate of the conspirators.

A doctor and the head of the conspirators, Montanari is driven by idealism and a willingness to take radical action. He orchestrates bold moves, including an assassination attempt, yet remains haunted by the consequences. His leadership is tempered by a personal longing that complicates his mission.

A shoemaker by trade who doubles as Pasquino's authorial alter ego. He hides his intelligence and uses wit to navigate danger, even as he plans to save his fellow conspirators. His love for Giuditta and willingness to sacrifice reveal a complex, self-aware character.

A newcomer from the Duchy of Modena who becomes entangled in the conspiracy and in Giuditta's affections. He is both a catalyst for action and a symbol of outsider influence within Rome's political landscape. His eventual fate underscores the high stakes of rebellion.

Cornacchia's disciple who helps spread Pasquino's satirical poems. He acts as a bridge between the conspirators and the outside world, using wit to expose risk and resilience. His role highlights the ordinary people's involvement in the revolutionary mood.

An idealistic cleric who pleads for salvation and tries to delay the executions in the name of spiritual mercy. He clashes with the secularized drive for swift justice, offering a counterpoint to the harsh world of politics.

Commander of the Pontifical Guard who handles arrests and enforces the state’s punitive measures. He embodies the organizational force behind the crackdown and the cold efficiency of law enforcement in a volatile capital.

A Carbonari associate targeted by the conspirators' plot. He survives the attempted murder and reports the attackers, illustrating how personal safety and public exposure intersect in a climate of political espionage. His alliance with higher powers adds tension to the downfall of the movement.