"The Day of the Owl" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Day of the Owl" by Leonardo Sciascia, the main character is Captain Bellodi, a police officer investigating a murder in a small Sicilian town. He is determined to uncover the truth behind the crime, despite facing resistance from the corrupt political establishment and powerful mafia.

Character Descriptions

• Captain Bellodi: Bellodi is a young and idealistic police officer who has recently been transferred to the small Sicilian town. He is described as intelligent, observant, and fair-minded. Bellodi is motivated by a strong sense of justice and refuses to be swayed by the corrupt influences that surround him.
• Minister Livigni: Livigni is a corrupt politician and the main antagonist of the story. He uses his power and influence to protect the mafia and maintain the status quo. Livigni is manipulative and willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his position.
• Amanzio: Amanzio is a powerful mafia boss who operates in the town. He is feared and respected by the local community. Amanzio is known for his ruthlessness and ability to control others through fear.
• Mariano Arena: Mariano is a young man and a member of the mafia. He becomes a suspect in the murder investigation due to his involvement in the criminal underworld.
• Rosa Nicolosi: Rosa is Mariano's sister and plays a significant role in the story. She is caught between loyalty to her family and her desire for a better life outside of the mafia's influence.
• Don Arena: Don Arena is the father of Mariano and Rosa. He is a high-ranking member of the mafia and commands respect and fear from the local community.
• Don Mariano Arena: Don Mariano is Don Arena's father, the previous head of the mafia. Even though he is deceased at the time of the story, his legacy and influence still loom over the characters and their actions.
• Paolo Nicolosi: Paolo is Rosa's husband and a relatively powerless character in the story. He represents the ordinary citizens who are caught in the crossfire between the mafia and the police.
• Professor Rosello: Professor Rosello is a local intellectual who provides insights and commentary on the social and political dynamics of the town. He serves as a source of wisdom and guidance for Captain Bellodi.
• Dr. Roscio: Dr. Roscio is the forensic doctor who conducts the autopsies and provides medical evidence in the murder investigation.
• Dr. Antonio Roscio: Dr. Antonio Roscio is the son of Dr. Roscio and helps Captain Bellodi in his investigation.

Character Traits

• Captain Bellodi: Intelligent, observant, determined, fair-minded, just.
• Minister Livigni: Corrupt, manipulative, powerful, cunning.
• Amanzio: Ruthless, feared, influential, controlling.
• Mariano Arena: Young, conflicted, involved in the criminal underworld.
• Rosa Nicolosi: Ambitious, torn between loyalty and desire for a better life.
• Don Arena: Powerful, respected, feared.
• Don Mariano Arena: Deceased, influential through his legacy.
• Paolo Nicolosi: Ordinary, caught in the crossfire.
• Professor Rosello: Intellectual, wise, insightful.
• Dr. Roscio: Knowledgeable, forensic expert.
• Dr. Antonio Roscio: Assistant, helpful.

Character Background

• Captain Bellodi: Bellodi is originally from Northern Italy and has just been transferred to the small Sicilian town. He is not familiar with the local dynamics and is seen as an outsider by the community.
• Minister Livigni: Livigni is a prominent figure in the town's political scene and has connections with the mafia. He has a long history of corruption and abuse of power.
• Amanzio: Amanzio is a powerful mafia boss with a history of violence and control. He has established a network of influence and fear in the town.
• Mariano Arena: Mariano comes from a family deeply involved in the mafia. He has grown up in an environment where criminal activities are the norm.
• Rosa Nicolosi: Rosa is Mariano's sister and has witnessed the destructive influence of the mafia on her family and community. She dreams of escaping the cycle of violence and corruption.
• Don Arena: Don Arena is a respected figure within the mafia hierarchy. He has built a fortune and reputation through criminal activities.
• Don Mariano Arena: Don Mariano Arena was the previous head of the mafia in the town. His death leaves a power vacuum and triggers a struggle for control among the remaining mafia members.
• Paolo Nicolosi: Paolo is an ordinary citizen who is married to Rosa. He is not directly involved in the criminal activities but is affected by them.
• Professor Rosello: Professor Rosello is a long-term resident of the town and has witnessed the changes and corruption brought about by the mafia's influence.
• Dr. Roscio: Dr. Roscio is an experienced forensic doctor who has encountered numerous cases related to the mafia.
• Dr. Antonio Roscio: Dr. Antonio Roscio is the son of Dr. Roscio and shares his father's knowledge and expertise.

Character Arcs

• Captain Bellodi: Captain Bellodi starts the story as an idealistic and determined police officer seeking justice. As he uncovers the layers of corruption and the extent of the mafia's influence, he becomes more disillusioned. His arc revolves around his struggle to maintain his integrity and pursue justice in the face of overwhelming odds.
• Minister Livigni: Minister Livigni begins as a powerful and manipulative politician who feels secure in his position. However, as Captain Bellodi gets closer to the truth, Livigni becomes increasingly desperate to protect his interests. His arc showcases the lengths he is willing to go to maintain his power.
• Amanzio: Amanzio remains a constant presence throughout the story, maintaining his control over the town and its inhabitants. His arc is centered around his attempts to protect his empire and eliminate any threats to his power.
• Mariano Arena: Mariano initially appears as a member of the mafia, caught up in the web of criminal activities. As the investigation progresses, Mariano's arc revolves around his internal conflict and the choices he must make to protect his family and himself.
• Rosa Nicolosi: Rosa's arc is driven by her desire to escape the mafia's influence and create a better life for herself. Her loyalty to her family is tested as she faces difficult decisions.
• Don Arena: Don Arena's arc is primarily connected to his struggle to maintain control over the mafia organization and protect his family's interests.
• Don Mariano Arena: Although deceased at the start of the story, Don Mariano's legacy and influence shape the actions and motivations of the other characters.
• Paolo Nicolosi: Paolo's arc revolves around his role as a bystander caught in the crossfire between the police and the mafia. He represents the ordinary citizens affected by the corruption and violence.
• Professor Rosello: Professor Rosello serves as a guide for Captain Bellodi, providing insights into the town's history and the complex dynamics at play. His arc is centered around his efforts to support Bellodi in his pursuit of justice.
• Dr. Roscio: Dr. Roscio's arc is tied to his role as a forensic doctor providing evidence for the investigation. His expertise and knowledge contribute to the uncovering of the truth.
• Dr. Antonio Roscio: Dr. Antonio Roscio assists Captain Bellodi in his investigation, supporting his father's efforts to seek justice.

Relationships

• Captain Bellodi and Minister Livigni: Bellodi and Livigni have a tense and adversarial relationship throughout the story. Bellodi's determination to uncover the truth threatens Livigni's power and forces him to take drastic measures.
• Captain Bellodi and Amanzio: Bellodi's investigation puts him at odds with Amanzio, who seeks to protect his criminal empire. Their relationship is marked by tension and mutual distrust.
• Mariano Arena and Rosa Nicolosi: Mariano and Rosa share a complex sibling relationship. They have grown up in the mafia culture and are bound by loyalty and family ties.
• Rosa Nicolosi and Paolo Nicolosi: Rosa and Paolo are married, but their relationship is strained due to the influence of the mafia. Paolo represents the ordinary citizens affected by the criminal activities.
• Captain Bellodi and Professor Rosello: Professor Rosello serves as a mentor and guide to Captain Bellodi, providing him with insights into the town's history and the mafia's influence.
• Captain Bellodi and Dr. Roscio: Bellodi relies on Dr. Roscio's expertise and medical evidence to support his investigation.
• Captain Bellodi and Dr. Antonio Roscio: Dr. Antonio Roscio assists Bellodi in his investigation, providing crucial information and support.

In conclusion, "The Day of the Owl" by Leonardo Sciascia features a diverse cast of characters with complex relationships and motivations. Captain Bellodi's pursuit of justice in the face of corruption and mafia influence drives the narrative, while other characters navigate their own personal struggles and conflicts. The book sheds light on the social and political dynamics of a small Sicilian town and the challenges faced by those seeking to uncover the truth.