Characters

Messiene - a gypsy who uses magic to help Reyalto solve her problems. Messiene is wise, and is used in the opera as almost a narrator figure, who helps to weave the entire story and all of its characters together.

Chernaud-the Emperor's right-hand-man, who does whatever the Emperor tells him to do, even if it means sacrificing his daughter's (Reyalto) happiness. Chernaud is not an evil man, he is just caught up with his own power and with an obsession of trying to please the Emperor.

Reyalto-Chernaud's daughter, and the heroine of the opera. Reyalto refuses to many the Duke because she does not love him, and so she bravely tries to stand up for what she believes in.

Simon-a tailor's apprentice (someone who is learning a trade), who falls in love with Reyalto for her goodness and beauty. Simon boldly stands up for himself, even though he is lower-class.

Emperor-a foolish ruler who loves himself and his clothing more than anyone or anything in the world. Like Chernaud, the Emperor is not necessarily a bad man, but simply caught up in his own vanity.