Major Victor Joppolo: The protagonist of the story, is the interim mayor of the Italian coastal town of Adano. He is sincerely interested in restoring happiness and prosperity and goes to great lengths to satisfy the people’s needs.
Sergeant Borth: A sergeant in the Military Police platoon assigned to garrison Adano; admires the major's changes to the town.
Captain Purvis: Under Major Joppolo and the officer in charge of the military police in Adano.
General Marvin: General of the American 34th Infantry Division in Italy. He orders that all carts stay out of Adano and relieves Major Joppolo of his position when he discovers that the major countermanded his order.
Tina: The daughter of Tomasino, Major Joppolo develops an affinity for her over the course of the novel, even though it may be because she wants the major to find out whether her sweetheart is still alive.
Giuseppe: Major Joppolo's interpreter.
Zito: Major Joppolo's usher.
Tomasino: The leader of the fishermen. Tomasino, though skeptical at first, is thrilled when Major Joppolo allows him and his men to go out and fish.
Cacopardo: A rich man, he owns the sulfur refinery of Adano. His chiasmus seen throughout the book: "Cacopardo is sulphur and sulphur is Cacopardo."
Mercurio Salvatore: The crier of the town.
Gargano: Chief of the police in Adano.
Mayor Nasta: Former fascist mayor of Adano, he comes back to the town and is ridiculed by all.
Lieutenant Livingston: A United States Navy lieutenant, he is in charge of the port of Adano.
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