The Cast and Characters of HBO’s “My Brilliant Friend”
The cast and characters of the HBO program My Brilliant Friend and a brief description of each character and their story (with spoilers).
Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.
The cast and characters of the HBO program My Brilliant Friend and a brief description of each character and their story (with spoilers).
Character descriptions and pictures used are changed as notable information is presented and better screenshots are taken. Especially if they represent their personality better.
Images and text in this post may contain affiliate links which, if a purchase is made from those sites, we may earn money or products from the company.
Alba Rohrwacher, Ingrid Del Genio, Margherita Mazzucco, and Elisabetta De Palo As Elena
Elena is the lead character of My Brilliant Friend and through whose eyes and ears we are given any and all information. From what we learn in the first episode, she lives to be 60 years old, so no fear of death required, and as a kid, she was one of the brightest in her class. Also, we learn she had quite the crush on Nino, a boy in her community. It isn’t clear if, in the long run, they end up together.
As a teenager, Elena struggles a bit with her physical appearance, due to pimples, and the boys she finds attractive seemingly not finding her alluring. However, with entering high school, she at least has her academic prowess to build up how she feels about herself. Even if, as she did throughout her younger years, struggle before she became top of her class.
Additional Information About Elena
Quotes
To become was a verb I’d always been obsessed by, but I only realized it on that occasion. I wanted to become something, but I never knew what.
— Elena (3.6)
I was a young girl back then. And I didn’t realize that his wanting to transform me was the proof that he didn’t like me as I was.
— Elena (3.7)
Irena Maiorino, Ludovica Nasti & Gaia Girace As Lila Cerullo
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Le Bambole (The Dolls)”
Who Is Lila
Vibrant, rebellious, a bit of a time boy, uninhibited and highly intelligent, Lila seems like the type of girl who would have excelled if born in a later era. However, with being born before the feminist movement and the modern rights many women enjoy, she seems stifled. Yet, as the child we are introduced to in episode one, it seems she lets very little hold her back – including fear.
Episode 4 Update
While long separated from school, Lila remains a voracious reader to the point she still, at least when it comes to reading and writing, is ahead of Elena. However, unlike when they were children, Lila has no desire to compete with Elena in any shape or form. Her focus is upward mobility and knowledge. Something she hopes her brother, Rino, will be her partner in.
Additional Information About Lila
- 2.7 Son is named Gennaro Rinuccio
- Job (3.6): Head of Technology – System 3
- Education (3.6): Only got up to 5th grade
Quotes
In fairy tales you do what you want, in life, what you can.
— Lila (3.6)
Inside small things there’s something smaller that wants to burst out. Outside a big thing there’s something bigger that wants to keep it prisoner.
— Lila (2.1)
Renato De Simone, Valerio Laviano Saggese & Fabrizio Cottone As Alfonso
Alfonso is one of Don Achille’s children and is seen as one of the smartest boys in his class. He seems painfully shy and perhaps the black sheep of his family because of it. As of episode 4, that hasn’t necessarily changed.
Other Noteworthy Information
- First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Le Bambole (The Dolls)”
- Gay (3.3): Comes out to Elena in this episode
Antonio Pennarella As Don Achille
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Le Bambole (The Dolls)”
Who Is Don Achille
Don Achille is a notorious loan shark and shadowy figure. He is someone people don’t talk about often and hold a fearful respect towards. Even children know to fear him and his son Stefano uses this to his advantage. Well, he tries to anyway.
Kristijan Di Giacomo & Giovanni Amura As Stefano
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Le Bambole (The Dolls)”
Don Achille’s son, and Alfonso’s older brother, exemplifies the fear and intimidation his father is known for. Something even girls like Lila aren’t safe from for just her making his brother feel a certain type of way leads her to be smacked around. Especially when he hears her smart mouth.
Episode 4 Update
Despite how he was as a child, it seems with age came maturity. Perhaps the idea of community as well as it seems he wishes for himself, and his family, to be seen as the opposite of the Solara family than the other horn of evil.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Fabrizio Gifuni, Alessandro Nardi & Francesco Serpico As Nino
Nino talking to Elena outsider her window
Nino is a young man who is one of the top two students of his class, and Elena has a huge crush on him. Seemingly, he has feelings for her too since he claims he is going to marry her and asks, until that time comes, if they can date. Unfortunately, because of his father’s actions, he moves away and jeopardizes this future he planted in Elena’s head.
Episode 10 Update
Nino, as a teenager, continues to be quite the academic and even has become a writer. However, not like his father, he doesn’t find much value in poetry. Instead, he is more of a journalist.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Le Bambole (The Dolls)”
- Job (3.1): He works as a lecturer now
Quotes
Pio Stellaccio, Vincenzo Vaccaro & Giovanni Buselli As Enzo
Enzo isn’t the smartest of guys, surely his family isn’t rich by any sense of the word. However, he has a decent heart. In fact, it seems he’d love for his heart to belong to Lila but she doesn’t take him seriously at all.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 2 “Soldi (The Money)”
- Studying (3.2): Is studying electronics
Quotes
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Dora Romano As Maestra Oliviero
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 2 “Soldi (The Money)”
She is Elena and Lila’s teacher who is quite astounded and impressed by Lila’s intelligence. However, once she realizes she might be the only one truly invested, because Lila’s parents can’t afford to further her education, she puts Elena against her – since her family makes a way.
Gennaro Canonico As Alfredo
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 2 “Soldi (The Money)”
He is the father of one of Elena and Lila’s classmates who used to be a locally well-known carpenter until he took a loan out from Don Achille. Once that happened, he basically lost everything when he couldn’t pay it back and publicly cursed the man. Something the Solara family might have taken advantage of.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Salvatore Striano, Tommaso Rusciano & Gennaro De Stefano As Rino
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 2 “Soldi (The Money)”
Rino is Lila’s big brother who, whether we are talking about her as a kid or a middle-aged woman, cares deeply and worries about his sister. In fact, he might be one of the few who supports and encourages her education and to be who she is. Even if it rubs some the wrong way.
Episode 10 Update
During his teen years, Rino is no longer as supportive of his sister as he once was. In fact, he finds her brilliance annoying for it comes with her stubborness. Leading to them often fighting, including him calling her a b****, as well as siding with their father more and more.
Antonio Buonanno As Fernando
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 2 “Soldi (The Money)”
Who Is Fernando
Lila’s dad, and a local shoemaker, Fernando is old school. Also, he is stressed out since he is using his business to support his kids, his wife’s parents, and his unwed sister. Making him not always on edge but with a daughter like Lila, being calm, cool, and collected sometimes is difficult. Especially since she isn’t one to take no for an answer.
Valentina Acca As Nunzia
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 2 “Soldi (The Money)”
Who Is Nunzia
Lila’s mom, and Fernando’s wife, she is very traditional in the sense of her being a quiet woman who doesn’t like rocking the boat too much. Whether that is due to being afraid of her husband isn’t clear.
Episode 10 Update
One of the reasons why Fernando is so upset in life, and Nunzia doesn’t speak out against him, is that she is too frail to work. With that, she lacks notable power in their household.
Luca Gallone As Vittorio
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 2 “Soldi (The Money)”
Who Is Vittorio
Vittorio is Elena’s father who is a bit more progressive than Lila’s dad Fernando. While certainly not better off than him, he is willing to support Elena’s education. Especially since she is an A student. However, like Fernando, Vittorio can be violent. For Fernando, his act of violence is throwing Lila out the window. As for Vittorio? It is smacking his wife, Immacolata, when she frustrates him and when she pushes him to, beating Elena to the point of giving her a black eye.
Annarita Vitolo As Immacolata
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 2 “Soldi (The Money)”
Who Is Immacolata
Elena’s mother who seems to hate the fact her husband supports Elena going to school. One reason being that she could use the help, since Elena is one of her oldest – if not the oldest. Another reason could be that her father is willing to work harder to afford Elena’s education but seemingly other things the family could use, that doesn’t inspire him to find ways to make more cash.
Elvis Esposito As Marcello Solara
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 3 “Le Metamorfosi (The Metamorphoses)”
Who Is Marcello
Arguably, Marcello is the future head of the Solara family. He is also a big-time flirt and seems to think he can have his way with any girl in the neighborhood. Including Lila who, as shown above, does not like him what so ever.
Alessio Gallo As Michele Solara
Other Noteworthy Information
-
First Introduced: Season 1/ Episode 3 “Le Metamorfosi (The Metamorphoses)”
- Whore (3.3): Allegedly slept with 122 women, either for free or he paid for their services
Eduardo Scarpetta As Pasquale
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 3 “Le Metamorfosi (The Metamorphoses)”
Who Is Pasquale
Paquale is Alfredo’s son who thinks his father’s alleged murder of Don Achille was justified. He also is a communist and has a crush on Lila. In fact, of all the guys in the neighborhood, he may have the best chance with her since he knows things she doesn’t, is a good dancer, and is passionate in ways the other guys aren’t.
Riccardo Palmieri As Gino
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 4 “Le Smarginatura (Dissolving Margins)”
- Politics (3.1): Is now a communist
Quotes
Emanuele Valenti Plays Donato
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 6 “Lisola”
Who Is Donato
Donato is Nino’s father and since leaving the neighborhood has become a famous writer. Unfortunately, he is also a bit of a womanizer and also a rapist. He sexually assaults Elena and it seems he believes him making people laugh and happy counteracts his rash and disgusting actions.
Nunzia Schiano Plays Nella
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 6 “Lisola”
Who Is Nella
Nella is Elena’s host one summer and she owns a little home which she rents out part of to make ends meet.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Christian Giroso Plays Antonio
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 7 “Fidanzati (The Fiances)”
Antonio is the oldest son of Melina and also becomes Elena’s second boyfriend. He is a mechanic by trade and is a bit handsy, a little frisky, but is useful to Elena when it comes to dealing with Donato.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Antonio Milo Plays Silvio
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 7 “Fidanzati (The Fiances)”
The head of the Solara family isn’t too happy with Lila and Fernando for breaking Marcello’s engagement with Lila. He even threatens the shop that Fernando has, that is being expanded by Stefano. Yet, when there is money to be made, bygones are bygones and he sets aside his differences for greater income.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Pinuccia (Federica Sollazzo)
Character Description
First Noted In – Season 2 Episode 1 “Chapter 9: The New Name”
Rino’s girlfriend at the beginning of the second season and also one of Stefano’s family members.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Pinuccia
Quotes
Nadia (Giorgia Gargano)
First Noted In – Season 2, Episode 3
Nino’s girlfriend and Professor Galiano’s daughter who is in love with Elena’s writing as much as her mother.
Maestra Galiano (Clotilde Sabatino)
One of Elena’s teachers who takes not of her and pushes her to do better in school and meet her potential.
Additional Information About Maestra Galiano
- First Noted In – Season 2, Episode 3
Gigliola (Rosaria Langellotto)
A young woman who shows signs of interest in Michele, but is often brushed off. Thus leading her to often scowl and get jealous of those who actually get his attention and praise.
Additional Information About Gigliola
- First Noted In – Season 2, Episode 3
- Age (3.3): Is 25
Bruno (Francesco Russo)
A rich kid who Elena and Lila meet through Nino while on vacation in Ischia.
Additional Information About Bruno
- First Noted In – Season 2 Episode 4 “Chapter 12: The Kiss”
- 2.4: His family business is salami.
Quotes
Franco Mari (Bruno Orlando)
Franco Mari (Bruno Orlando)
Elena’s boyfriend, while at Normale University who is rich and gives Elena a multitude of gifts during their relationship – including loneliness when he abandons her.
Additional Information About Franco
- First Noted In – Season 2 Episode 7 “Chapter 15: Ghosts”
Quote(s)
- In love it’s over only when you can become yourself again, without fear, or disgust. — Franco (4.2)
Pietro (Matteo Cecchi and Pier Giorgio Bellocchio)
The son of Elena’s professor who is 22, an academic, takes note of her and dates her towards the end of the 2nd season.
Additional Information About Petro
- First Noted In – Season 2 Episode 8 “Chapter 16: The Blue Fairy”
- Job (3.1): He is a professor, with tenure, in Florence
- Age (3.4): Is 27
Quotes
Ada (Ulrike Migliaresi)
First Noted In – Season 2 Episode 8 “Chapter 16: The Blue Fairy”
Brief Description
Someone who began as just another girl from the neighborhood but by the end of season two, becomes notable due to the person she ends up having a child with.
Additional Information About Ada
Quotes
Silva (Maria Vittoria Dallasta)
Silva is Mariarosa’s friend who is struggling with raising her child that she had with Nino, who is not helping with their son.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 1 “Chapter 17: Indecencies”
Quotes
Juan (Eduardo Rejoin)
Juan is a friend of Franco who often debates with him.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 1 “Chapter 17: Indecencies”
Quotes
Mariarosa (Giulia Mazzarino)
Mariarosa is Pietro’s sister and, like him, she is highly educated and adores Elena.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 1 “Chapter 17: Indecencies”
Quotes
Gennaro (Giuseppe Cortese & Francesco Ferrante)
Gennaro is Lila and Stefano’s son.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 2 “Chapter 18: The Fever”
Quotes
Mario (Eugenio Di Fraia)
Mario is an engineer that Elena met on her wedding day who, within one to two years, she had an affair with as her marriage to Pietro became unhappy.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 4 “Chapter 20: Cold War”
Quotes
Clelia (Rebecca Fanucchi)
Clelia is a girl from the neighborhood who helps Elena raise her daughters Dede and Elsa.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 4 “Chapter 20: Cold War”
Quotes
Dede (Sofia Luchetti and Vittoria Cozza)
Dede is Pietro and Elena’s oldest child and eldest daughter.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 6 “Chapter 21: Terror”
- Government Name (3.5): While called Dede, her actual name is Adele, and she is named after her grandmother
Quotes
Manuella Villa (Imma Villa)
Manuella is the matriarch of the Solara family and turns 60 in season 3, episode 6.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 2 “Soldi (The Money)”
Quotes
Elisa (Francesca Montuori and Claudia Tranchese)
Elisa is one of Elena’s younger siblings who end up with Marcello.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 6 “Chapter 22: Becoming”
Quotes
Eleonora (Chiara Celotto)
Eleonora is Nino’s wife, and mother of his son, who is the daughter of a lawyer, and has aspirations to become a lawyer herself – though she isn’t 100% sure if she’ll go down that path.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 3/ Episode 7 “Chapter 23: Try Again”
Quotes
Fatima Credendino as Elsa Airota
Elsa is Elena and Pietro’s youngest child and second daughter.
- Character Introduced In Season 4/ Episode 1
Additional Information
- Age (Season 4/ Episode 1): When the season starts in 1978, it’s not clear what Elsa’s age is.
Quotes
Lucia D’Ambra As Carmen Peluso
Carmen is Pasquale’s little sister, seemingly one of Lila’s best friends in her adult years.
- Character Introduced In Season 4/ Episode 1
Additional Information
- (Season / Episode):
Quotes
Daria Deflorian as Adele Airota
Adele is the matriarch of the Airota family.
Additional Information
- (Season / Episode):
Quotes
Gabriele Vacis as Guido Airota
Guido is the patriarch of the Airota family.
Additional Information
- (Season / Episode):
Quotes
How Season 1 Ends of My Brilliant Friend
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
How Does Season 1 End For Elena
After breaking Gino’s heart, and then Antonio, as well as offending Nino, Elena ends up alone without a boyfriend. Yet, with her being an ace at school, and her writing getting praise, she at least has her academic career to boost her spirits.
How Does Season 1 End For Lila
After freeing herself from a coerced engagement with Marcello, she marries Stefano under the impression she has control over him and he will not just make her happy but her family. However, in pursuit of money, Stefano makes peace with the Solara family and even allows Marcello to come to his wedding reception. Thus making Lila feel duped.
How Does Season 1 End For Alfonso
While no longer competing with Elena to be top of the class, his family is still quite proud of him and it seems he is going steady with Nino’s little sister.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
How Does Season 1 End For Don Achille
He is dead.
How Does Season 1 End For Stefano
Stefano ends up married to Lila, who isn’t well-liked by his family since she mostly drains their funds, but he is happy.
How Does Season 1 End For Nino
While, for a good while, Nino has some kind of interest in Elena, between her being a better writer than him, and him dissing her at school, he seems done with her.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
How Does Season 1 End For Enzo
While Enzo remains friends with the rest of the kids through the end of season 1, after becoming teenagers, the most notable thing about him is being Pasquale’s best friend.
How Does Season 1 End For Maestra Oliviero
Old, and sickly, Maestra Oliviero has become a bit of a mean old woman. One who praises Elena for pursuing a high school diploma but also is very judgemental of Lila since she didn’t continue. Also, Maestra doesn’t support Elena and Lila’s friendship and upon seeing them together, when Lile invites the Maestra to her wedding, she is as rude as ever.
How Does Season 1 End For Alfredo
After likely being framed for killing Don Achille, he is still in jail.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
How Does Season 1 End For Rino
With Stefano investing in the shoe store, it seems Rino’s dreams of being a gentleman, someone with prestige and money, they might be coming true.
How Does Season 1 End For Fernando
After raising a tumultuous child who he has thrown out the window, threatened, and wanted to beat until she is within the grasp of death, she marries someone of note. Someone, Stefano, who invests in his business and makes it so the burden of marrying Nunzia is lifted from his shoulders.
How Does Season 1 End For Nunzia
As it always was, Nunzia’s state of being isn’t made to be of much consequence. She is alive, talked badly about by Fernando since she is too delicate to work, but seemingly strong enough to clean the home and bear children.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
How Does Season 1 End For Vittorio
He is still gainfully employed and arguing with Immacolata about the way she treats Elena.
How Does Season 1 End For Immacolata
With her, as always, watching and criticizing Elena’s every move.
How Does Season 1 End For Marcello
Rejected by Lila, embarrassed in the neighborhood, his only counter is spreading a rumor about Lila giving him blowjobs and showing up to her reception in the shoes she tried to keep him from wearing. Both insulting and stunning her.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
How Does Season 1 End For Michele
Marcello’s muscle is okay. He has himself a girlfriend, a new car after someone burns up his old one, and has little in his life to worry about.
How Does Season 1 End For Gino
After Elena breaks up with him he just fades into the back.
How Does Season 1 End For Donato
After sexually assaulting Lila, she uses her relationship with Antonio to scare Donato away. To the point he may never come back to the neighborhood again.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
How Does Season 1 End For Nella
She likely is still renting out part of her home, just enjoying the sights and sounds of the beach.
How Does Season 1 End For Antonio
After realizing he got played by Elena, who truly wants Nino, he leaves her looking like a fool at Lila’s wedding reception.
How Does Season 1 End For Silvio
With Stefano making peace with him, he ends up the Speech Master for the business, takes Don Achille’s place at Stefano’s wedding, and has allowed the uniting of his family and Stefano’s in business. Thus squashing over a generation of passive-aggressive war.
