Cast of characters
Robyn
Mid-20s woman, presumed white/unspecified ethnicity (not stated in text). Described only by context: works as a bartender, financially struggling (can't pay rent), has a yellowing bruise on her wrist she hides under her sleeve. She has a slim, average build and fair skin with warm undertones. Her brown hair is pulled back into a low, practical ponytail suited to bartending work, with a few loose strands framing her face. She has a soft, oval face with clear brown eyes, light brows, and a calm, neutral expression well-suited to close-up reaction shots. She wears a simple, practical bartender's uniform: a long-sleeved black top, a dark charcoal-grey waist apron with a front pocket panel tied over slim black pants, and black flat shoes. Voice: female, mid-20s; soft, slightly breathless timbre; nervous, measured pace with quick embarrassed dips in volume; neutral American accent (inferred).
Cristiano Bellanti
36-year-old man, tall with broad shoulders that fill a doorway, olive skin with a weathered, sun-touched quality, dark wavy hair swept back neatly and cut close at the sides with volume through the top, dark eyes beneath heavy brows, a jaw sharp enough to "cut glass" shadowed with salt-and-pepper stubble, a faint scar through one eyebrow, and a tattooed hand with long fingers visible across the knuckles and back of the hand. He wears a dark, well-tailored suit with a subtle woven pattern over a dark open-collared shirt, no tie, the jacket fitted close to his broad, solid build, paired with matching dark trousers and dark leather shoes. Commanding, still posture — moves with deliberate, unhurried confidence. Voice: male, mid-30s; low, controlled baritone; slow, deliberate pace with quiet authority; faint Italian-inflected accent (inferred from surname 'Bellanti').
Freida
Young woman working alongside Robyn as a waitress at La Scala, carries a serving tray. Mid-20s, average build, fair skin, with dark blonde hair pulled back into a neat bun. Warm brown eyes and a friendly, easygoing smile. Wears the black-and-white waitstaff uniform: a crisp white button-up shirt under a black vest, paired with a long black bistro apron tied at the waist over black trousers and black shoes. Voice: female, mid-20s; light, teasing tone; quick, conversational pace; neutral American accent (inferred).
Ruby
Trainee chef in her early-to-mid 20s (inferred), a smear of flour visible on her cheek, hair knotted messily on top of her head. Casual, practical kitchen attire — chef whites or apron over dark clothing. Bright, curious eyes; expressive, gossipy energy. Voice: female, early-to-mid 20s; light, bright soprano-alto; quick, chatty pace; neutral accent (inferred).
