Where Angels Fear to Tread

Main Characters and Their Development

• Lilia Herriton – a young widow who travels to Italy and falls in love with the Italian Gino Carella. Her impulsive decisions and marriage to Gino become the catalyst for the events that follow. Lilia is portrayed as someone seeking freedom and new experiences, but her naivety and lack of experience lead to tragic consequences.
• Philip Herriton – Lilia's late husband's brother, who travels to Italy to bring Lilia home. He is intelligent and cultured, but his arrogance and prejudice prevent him from understanding the true feelings and motives of others. As the story progresses, Philip begins to recognize his mistakes and changes, becoming more sensitive and understanding.
• Harriet Herriton – Philip's sister, who also travels to Italy. She is a strict and conservative woman who sees it as her duty to protect the family's honor. Her rigidity and intransigence lead to conflicts and tragedies, but in the end, she too must face the consequences of her actions.
• Caroline Abbott – Lilia's friend who accompanies her to Italy. She is a kind and compassionate woman who tries to help Lilia and her child. Caroline develops as a character who begins to realize her own desires and aspirations, and her inner growth becomes an important part of the story.
• Gino Carella – the young Italian whom Lilia marries. He is charismatic and attractive, but also selfish and immature. His relationships with Lilia and the other characters highlight the complexity of cultural and personal differences.