"The Neapolitan Novels" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Neapolitan Novels" by Elena Ferrante, the characters play various roles that contribute to the overall narrative. The protagonist, Elena Greco, serves as the primary narrator and provides insights into her life and the lives of those around her. Raffaella Cerullo, also known as Lila, is Elena's childhood friend and a central figure in the story. Other significant characters include Stefano Carracci, Elena's husband; Nino Sarratore, Lila's love interest; Pasquale Peluso, a childhood friend of Elena and Lila; Enzo Scanno, Lila's brother; Gigliola Spagnuolo, Elena's close friend; and Marisa Sarratore, Nino's sister.

Character Descriptions

• Elena Greco: Elena is a complex character who begins the novel as a quiet and observant girl. She possesses a sharp intellect and a desire to succeed academically. As the story progresses, Elena's character develops, and she becomes more confident and assertive. She is driven by a sense of competition with Lila and strives to outdo her in various aspects of life.
• Raffaella Cerullo (Lila): Lila, Elena's best friend, is portrayed as a fiercely independent and intelligent girl. She has a rebellious streak and refuses to conform to societal expectations. Lila is often enigmatic and mysterious, captivating those around her with her unconventional behavior and sharp wit.
• Stefano Carracci: Stefano is Elena's husband, a wealthy and successful businessman. He initially appears charming and caring, but as the story unfolds, his true nature is revealed. Stefano is controlling and manipulative, exerting power over Elena and stifling her ambitions.
• Nino Sarratore: Nino is a key figure in Elena and Lila's lives, serving as Lila's love interest and later becoming involved with Elena. He is intelligent and charismatic, but his indecisiveness and complex relationships create turmoil for those around him.
• Pasquale Peluso: Pasquale is a childhood friend of Elena and Lila. He is portrayed as kind-hearted and reliable, always looking out for Elena's well-being. Pasquale's character remains constant throughout the series, providing a sense of stability amidst the ever-changing dynamics of the other characters.
• Enzo Scanno: Enzo is Lila's brother, and his character evolves from a protective sibling to a trusted friend of Elena. He is determined and ambitious, using his resources to create a better life for himself and those he cares about.
• Gigliola Spagnuolo: Gigliola is Elena's close friend, offering support and companionship throughout the series. She is portrayed as loyal and caring, providing a sense of stability for Elena during challenging times.
• Marisa Sarratore: Marisa is Nino's sister, and her character serves as a representation of the traditional expectations placed on women in their neighborhood. Marisa is portrayed as submissive and obedient, contrasting with the strong-willed Elena and Lila.

Character Traits

• Elena Greco: Intelligent, competitive, observant, ambitious, insecure
• Raffaella Cerullo (Lila): Independent, intelligent, rebellious, enigmatic, charismatic
• Stefano Carracci: Charming, manipulative, controlling, successful
• Nino Sarratore: Intelligent, charismatic, indecisive, complex relationships
• Pasquale Peluso: Kind-hearted, reliable, supportive
• Enzo Scanno: Determined, ambitious, loyal
• Gigliola Spagnuolo: Loyal, caring, stable
• Marisa Sarratore: Submissive, obedient, traditional

Character Background

• Elena Greco: Elena grows up in a working-class neighborhood in Naples, Italy. She is the daughter of a porter and a seamstress. Despite her humble background, Elena shows early academic promise and is encouraged by her teachers to pursue her education.
• Raffaella Cerullo (Lila): Lila also comes from a working-class family in Naples. She possesses a natural intelligence and curiosity, often surpassing Elena academically. Lila's family struggles with poverty, and she becomes determined to escape her circumstances through education.
• Stefano Carracci: Stefano comes from a wealthy family and enjoys the privileges that come with it. He is introduced to Elena through his sister, and their relationship quickly develops. Stefano's upbringing influences his expectations for Elena and their marriage.
• Nino Sarratore: Nino is the son of a prominent professor and writer. He is intelligent and has a natural affinity for literature. Nino's complicated family dynamics and his relationships with Elena and Lila shape his character throughout the series.
• Pasquale Peluso: Pasquale grows up in the same neighborhood as Elena and Lila. He remains a close friend to Elena, providing emotional support and stability in her life.
• Enzo Scanno: Enzo, Lila's brother, shares a similar background with Elena and Lila. He becomes an important figure in Elena's life, offering support and friendship.
• Gigliola Spagnuolo: Gigliola is a childhood friend of Elena and Lila. She remains a constant presence in Elena's life, providing companionship and support during challenging times.
• Marisa Sarratore: Marisa is Nino's sister and represents the traditional expectations placed on women in their neighborhood. She follows societal norms and adheres to the roles assigned to her as a woman.

Character Arcs

• Elena Greco: Elena's character arc revolves around her quest for personal and intellectual fulfillment. She starts as a timid girl, comparing herself to Lila and feeling inadequate. As the series progresses, Elena discovers her own voice and identity, becoming a successful writer. Her journey is marked by self-discovery, empowerment, and the struggle to assert herself in a male-dominated world.
• Raffaella Cerullo (Lila): Lila's character arc is one of rebellion and defiance against societal expectations. From a young age, she challenges the norms and refuses to conform. Lila's journey involves navigating personal relationships, the pursuit of knowledge, and the fight against economic and social limitations.
• Stefano Carracci: Stefano's character arc revolves around power and control. Initially presented as charming and caring, he gradually reveals his manipulative and controlling nature. Stefano's arc highlights the toxic dynamics within his marriage to Elena and the impact of his actions on those around him.
• Nino Sarratore: Nino's character arc is characterized by his complex relationships and internal conflicts. He struggles with indecisiveness, torn between his love for both Elena and Lila. Nino's journey involves grappling with his own identity and the consequences of his choices.
• Pasquale Peluso: Pasquale's character arc is one of unwavering loyalty and support for Elena. He remains a steadfast presence in her life, offering emotional stability and friendship throughout the series.
• Enzo Scanno: Enzo's character arc focuses on his determination to rise above his circumstances and create a better life for himself and his loved ones. He evolves from a protective brother to a trusted friend of Elena, supporting her through various challenges.
• Gigliola Spagnuolo: Gigliola's character arc remains relatively consistent throughout the series, providing a stable friendship for Elena. She offers support and companionship during difficult times.
• Marisa Sarratore: Marisa's character arc represents the constraints placed on women in their society. Her adherence to traditional gender roles highlights the limitations and expectations imposed on women in their neighborhood.

Relationships

• Elena and Lila: Elena and Lila's friendship is the driving force of the narrative. They share a complex and intense bond, marked by competition, admiration, and envy. Their relationship evolves throughout the series, reflecting the challenges and growth they each experience.
• Elena and Stefano: Elena's marriage to Stefano is characterized by power dynamics and control. Their relationship highlights the societal expectations placed on women and the sacrifices Elena makes for the sake of her husband's reputation.
• Lila and Nino: Lila and Nino's relationship is passionate and tumultuous. They share a deep connection and intellectual compatibility, but their relationship is also marked by jealousy and betrayal.
• Elena and Pasquale: Elena and Pasquale's friendship is a source of stability and support in Elena's life. Pasquale remains a dependable presence, offering emotional comfort throughout the series.
• Lila and Enzo: Lila and Enzo's sibling bond is characterized by protectiveness and loyalty. Enzo consistently supports Lila and becomes an important figure in her life.
• Elena and Gigliola: Elena and Gigliola's friendship offers companionship and emotional support. Gigliola provides a stable presence in Elena's life, especially during difficult times.
• Nino and Marisa: Nino's relationship with his sister, Marisa, reflects traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Marisa's obedience contrasts with Nino's complex relationships, illustrating the constraints placed on women in their society.

In "The Neapolitan Novels," Elena Ferrante creates a rich and complex web of characters whose relationships and personal journeys intertwine. Through their individual arcs and interactions, the novel explores themes of friendship, identity, societal expectations, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. The characters in the series come to life through their distinctive traits, backgrounds, and the roles they play in the lives of others.