Michele Amitrano
Michele's compassion is his most prominent characteristic that makes him appealing to the reader. Throughout the novel, he exhibits empathy well beyond his years, often making readers forget that he is just nine. This can be seen clearly in three main instances. First, when he goes after his sister when she has fallen over (pg. 4) despite his own fears. Secondly, offering to complete the forfeit in place of Barbra when Skull forces her to complete an embarrassing forfeit. Finally, and most evidently, when he takes care of Filippo. This makes for a positive contrast with the rest of Acqua Traverse who seem to lack any compassion. When describing places and characters he reveals his unique way of viewing things that
Like the other men in his family, Skull exhibit's no compassion in making the children do precisely what they do not want to. This shows how little empathy his has and how he continues to use his position to stay above everyone else, without any moral afterthought.

Sergio Materia
Sergio staying in the same room as Michele forces Michele to confront someone he is afraid of. He questions Sergio and eventually becomes more comfortable around him.

The Scardoccione Family
Even though Michele and Salvatore have had very different upbringing's, resulting in contrasting personalities, they are still the same age. Despite how compassionate and empathetic Michele is, he sells his secret for something of personal interest to him. Salvatore is much the same. He uses Michele's secret as a merely a means of getting what he wants for himself. Another contributing factor could be the power Felice exhibits over all the children of Acqua Traverse. Telling Felice Michele's secret would put Salvatore in Felice's good books, and most definitely stop him bullying him for a while.

Ammaniti has included Nunzio so that the reader would get a better sense of the social values of the time. The importance of religion and the role it plays in the lives of the townspeople is clearly reflected in the treatment of Nunzio.

‘…he hardly ever did come back. And when he did he couldn't wait to get away again' (pg.127) Michele says when describing Avvocate. Michele