The Castle of Fratta: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Castle of Fratta: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into a rich narrative centered around the feudal Fratta family and their dynamics during a tumultuous period of change. The story is narrated by Carlo Altoviti, a poor relative who eventually becomes an esteemed member of the family, yet witnesses the decline of their estate and the dispersion of its members. Key characters include Giovanni, the stoic count, and Cleonice, his proud wife, alongside their daughters Clara, who chooses the convent, and Pisana, who becomes entwined with Carlo. The narrative also features a cast of supporting characters, such as Lucilio, a young doctor in love with Clara, and Monsignor Orlando, Count Giovanni's foolish brother. Themes of love, loss, and the impact of political upheaval unfold through these interconnected lives, suggesting a complex interplay of personal aspirations and societal pressures. The backdrop of Venice's shifting power dynamics adds depth to the characters’ motivations and fates, making it a compelling exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and resilience within a collapsing aristocracy.
The Castle of Fratta: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Ippolito Nievo
First published: Le confessioni di un ottuagenario, 1867 (English translation, 1954)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Italy and England
Plot: Historical
Time: 1775–1852
Carlo Altoviti (ahl-toh-VEE-tee), a poor relation in the feudal Fratta family and the narrator. He becomes an honored member of the family and a patriot who lives to see the Castle of Fratta reduced to rubble and the Frattas dispersed. In his old age, he returns to Fratta to write his memoirs.
Giovanni (gee-oh-VAHN-nee), the count of Fratta, the austere head of the Fratta family.
Cleonice (kleh-oh-NEE-chee), the countess of Fratta, Count Giovanni's haughty wife.
Clara, Count Giovanni's grave, beautiful daughter, who finally enters a convent.
Pisana (pee-ZAH-nah), Count Giovanni's fascinating younger daughter, loved by Carlo Altoviti. She eventually becomes his mistress.
Aquilina Provedoni (ah-kwee-LEE-nah proh-veh-DOHnee), Carlo Altoviti's wife.
Todero Altoviti (toh-DEH-roh), Carlo's father. Deserted by Carlo's mother, he disappears. When he has grown wealthy in trade he returns, hoping to establish a prominent family. His hopes are dashed with the capitulation of Venice to the French.
Monsignor Orlando, a stupid, gluttonous priest, Count Giovanni's brother.
Lucilio Vianello (lew-chee-LEE-oh vee-ah-NEHL-loh), a young doctor. He is in love with Clara Fratta. After the fall of the patricians, she refuses to return from the convent and marry him.
Leopardo Provedoni, Carlo Altoviti's friend.
Antonio Provedoni, Leopardo's father, the mayor of the Commune.
Doretta, the daughter of the chancellor of Venchieredo, Leopardi Provedoni's wife.
Raimondo di Venchieredo (dee VEHN-kee-ehr-eh-doh), Doretta's lover.
The count of Venchieredo, Raimondo's father, sentenced to prison for laying siege to Fratta.
Alberto Partistagno (pahr-tees-TAH-noh), a young nobleman, Clara Fratta's suitor.
Giulio del Ponte (jee-EW-lee-oh), a young poet, another of Clara's suitors, later in love with Pisana Fratta.
Aglaura, Carlo Altoviti's half sister.
Spiro Apostulos (SPEE-roh AHPOHS-tew-lohs), Aglaura's husband.
Mauro Navagero (MAH-ew-roh nah-vah-JEE-roh), an aged Fratta kinsman, Pisana Fratta's husband.
Almoro Frumier (ahl-MOH-roh frew-MEE-ehr), a Venetian senator, a Fratta kinsman.
The Spaccafumo (spah-kah-FEW-moh), a bandit.
Father Pendola, a Jesuit priest and a political intriguer in the Venetian Republic.
Lady Badoer (bah-DOH-ehr), Clara and Pisana Fratta's grandmother, who dies of atrocities committed by the soldiers of Napoleon.
Captain Sandracca, captain of the militia at Fratta.
Amilcare Dossi (ahmeel-KAH-reh DOHS-see), a young political liberal who influences Carlo Altoviti.
Ettore Carafa (eht-TOH-ray kah-RAH-fah), a lover of Pisana Fratta.
Napoleon Bonaparte, the emperor of France.