Estimated read time: 7 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Elena Greco | Protagonist |
| Lila Cerullo | Protagonist |
| Rino Cerullo | Lila's brother |
| Stefano Carracci | Lila's husband |
| Nino Sarratore | Elena's love interest |
| Enzo Scanno | Childhood friend |
| Alfonso Carracci | Stefano's brother |
| Pinuccia Carracci | Stefano's sister |
| Pasquale Peluso | Schoolmate |
| Gigliola Spagnuolo | Elena's best friend |
Role Identification
In the novel "My Brilliant Friend" by Elena Ferrante, several characters play important roles in shaping the narrative. The story predominantly revolves around the lives of Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo, two childhood friends growing up in a tough neighborhood in Naples, Italy, during the 1950s and 1960s. Alongside Elena and Lila, other characters such as Rino Cerullo, Stefano Carracci, Nino Sarratore, Enzo Scanno, Alfonso Carracci, Pinuccia Carracci, Pasquale Peluso, and Gigliola Spagnuolo also contribute significantly to the overall plot.
Character Descriptions
Elena Greco
Elena Greco, the novel's protagonist, is a bright and ambitious girl. She comes from a humble background, and her intelligence and dedication serve as her ticket out of poverty. Elena is known for her studious nature and strong desire to excel in academics. Throughout the story, she constantly compares herself to her brilliant friend, Lila Cerullo, which drives her to succeed academically and achieve recognition.
Lila Cerullo
Lila Cerullo, Elena's best friend, is an enigmatic and complicated character. Unlike Elena, she does not pursue formal education but possesses an innate brilliance and innate understanding of the world. Lila is often described as fiercely independent, determined, and unafraid to challenge societal norms. Her fiery personality adds depth and tension to the narrative.
Rino Cerullo
Rino Cerullo, Lila's younger brother, is depicted as a reliable and hardworking individual. He is deeply connected to his sister and often serves as a source of support for both Lila and Elena. Rino's character acts as a contrast to the more ambitious and volatile characters of Elena and Lila.
Stefano Carracci
Stefano Carracci marries Lila and becomes her husband. He belongs to an influential and wealthy family but lacks the intellectual brilliance seen in Elena and Lila. Stefano is characterized by his conservative and traditional values. His relationship with Lila is marked by tension and conflict due to their differing backgrounds and aspirations.
Nino Sarratore
Nino Sarratore, a charming and intelligent young man, becomes an object of fascination for Elena. He comes from a respected family and shares a complex relationship with both Elena and Lila. Nino's presence in the story represents the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations.
Enzo Scanno
As a childhood friend of Elena and Lila, Enzo Scanno plays a significant role in their lives. Unlike the other characters, Enzo displays unwavering loyalty and devotion towards Elena. He is characterized by his resilience and determination to improve his circumstances.
Alfonso Carracci and Pinuccia Carracci
Alfonso Carracci, Stefano's brother, and Pinuccia Carracci, Stefano's sister, are relatives of Lila's husband. Their characters represent the conflicts and tensions within the Carracci family. While Alfonso is a traditionalist who adheres to societal norms, Pinuccia is more open-minded and sympathetic towards Lila's struggles.
Pasquale Peluso
Pasquale Peluso is a schoolmate and admirer of Elena. He comes from a poor and dysfunctional family and is often mistreated by his peers. Pasquale's character reflects the challenges faced by those from marginalized backgrounds and the impact it has on their self-confidence.
Gigliola Spagnuolo
Gigliola Spagnuolo, Elena's best friend during her high school years, is a more rebellious and outspoken character. She acts as a confidante and provides support to Elena during critical moments in her life. Gigliola represents the importance of friendship and non-conformity.
Character Traits
| Character | Traits |
|---|---|
| Elena Greco | Intelligent, ambitious, insecure |
| Lila Cerullo | Brilliant, independent, complicated |
| Rino Cerullo | Reliable, hardworking |
| Stefano Carracci | Conservative, traditional, conflicted |
| Nino Sarratore | Charming, intelligent, conflicted |
| Enzo Scanno | Loyal, resilient, determined |
| Alfonso Carracci | Traditional, conformist |
| Pinuccia Carracci | Open-minded, sympathetic |
| Pasquale Peluso | Admiring, mistreated, lack of confidence |
| Gigliola Spagnuolo | Rebellious, supportive |
Character Background
Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo both grow up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood in Naples. While Elena's intelligence and determination allow her to escape the confines of her surroundings, Lila remains rooted in the neighborhood due to familial and societal pressures. Rino Cerullo, Lila's brother, is portrayed as a hardworking individual who tries to make the best out of their difficult circumstances.
Stefano Carracci, a wealthy young man from a traditional background, marries Lila and sweeps her away from the neighborhood, leading to significant changes in her life. Nino Sarratore, an intelligent and charismatic individual, becomes an influential figure in Elena's life, highlighting the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations.
Enzo Scanno, Elena and Lila's childhood friend, struggles to improve his circumstances but remains loyal to Elena throughout their lives. The Carracci family, including Alfonso and Pinuccia Carracci, represents the divide between traditional and progressive beliefs within the characters' social circle. Pasquale Peluso, another schoolmate, faces mistreatment due to his humble background, while Gigliola Spagnuolo offers Elena a different perspective on life.
Character Arcs
Elena Greco's character arc revolves around her pursuit of knowledge and intellectual success. Despite her initial self-doubt, she excels academically and becomes a successful writer. Lila Cerullo's arc is complex, as she battles societal expectations and her own internal struggles. While she grapples with personal demons, she also displays moments of brilliance and determination.
Nino Sarratore's character arc is marked by his internal conflicts and the impact of his relationships on both Elena and Lila. Enzo Scanno's arc is one of resilience as he strives to overcome his circumstances and establish a better life for himself. The Carracci siblings, Alfonso and Pinuccia, experience personal growth and transformation through their interactions with Lila and Stefano.
Pasquale Peluso's arc demonstrates the damaging effects of his mistreatment, while Gigliola Spagnuolo's arc showcases her ability to challenge societal norms and be a supportive friend.
Relationships
The relationship between Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo is central to the novel. Their friendship teeters between love, admiration, and envy, as one constantly strives to match the other's achievements. As Elena forges relationships with Nino Sarratore and Enzo Scanno, she finds herself caught in a web of emotional entanglements, influenced by societal norms and personal desires.
Lila's relationships with Stefano Carracci and her family highlight the struggle between her aspirations and her obligations. The dynamics between Alfonso Carracci, Pinuccia Carracci, and Lila reflect the clashes between traditional and progressive values within the Carracci family. Pasquale Peluso's admiration for Elena showcases the impact of social status on their interactions, while Gigliola Spagnuolo remains a steadfast supporter of Elena throughout her journey.
In "My Brilliant Friend," the characters' relationships shape their individual journeys and provide a compelling exploration of ambition, friendship, and societal expectations. Elena Ferrante skillfully weaves these characters together to create a rich tapestry of emotions and complexities, making the novel a thought-provoking exploration of human connections.
