Antonia / Willy

She possesses great will power and talent, but at first, she does not dare to unleash them. When later on she is to become a conductor, her will power mainly shows in her desire to keep the flame (her passion) burning, in spite of all opposition. Antonia is ambitious and eager to learn, and able to show a great self-discipline. She grows from an oppressed daughter into a strong personality. She’s unaware of her attractiveness to men. She has a sense of humor and, despite her fanatic approach, a sense for self-relativisation (irony). She can sink her teeth into something, and learns to show them. She capable of great passion, both in love and in music.

Frank

Young, attractive and from a wealthy family. Has a position in music as organizer of concerts. Family friend Mark Goldmsith, Antonia and him start of at the wrong foot, but he is attracted to Antonia because of her passion for music and her free spirit. Unintentionally, he falls in love with her. Perhaps also because Antonia is unimpressed by his wealth.

Robin

Like Antonia, Robin lives for music. He appreciates the (upcoming) jazz music and improvisation. In Antonia, he recognizes his own struggle to achieve something and helps her where he can. He leads her the way, shows her where she belongs.

Antonia’s Mother

A woman with a dominant character. Her word is law. She’s obsessed with money because she’s stingy. Is not very capable of dealing with disempowerment. In an odd way she does love Antonia.

Antonia’s Father

Kindhearted, compliant man. The kind that works hard and says little. Prefers to avoid conflict. He is no match for his dominant wife. Loves his daughter with all his heart.

Mark Goldsmith

Antonia’s first truly capable music teacher. Someone she admires and of whom she thinks he’ll help her on her way. But he has no intention to help her with her plan to become a conductor. He thinks it’s a job only men are capable of doing. Abuses his position as a teacher.

Karl Muck

Famous, German conductor and musician. Anti-women, anti-American, nationalist. Grumpy men who leads his orchestra like an army general. But he gains respect for Antonia because he recognizes that she, as a woman, has to work harder to get where she wants to be. Is attracted by her masculine personality traits; her perseverance and endurance.

Mrs. Thomsen

Frank’s mother. A socialite with many friends and acquaintances in the music circle. Opposes her son’s friendship with Antonia.

Mr. Thomsen

Frank’s cordial, hospitable father.

Willem Mengelberg

The famous Dutch chief conductor of the Concertgebouw orchestra. He’s an idol for Antonia but he has a conservative opinion about women in music.

Director Barnes

Represents the men who orthodoxly look down on women, and the wall Antonia needs to break down even when she’s successful.

Concert Master

Like Barnes, he represents the men who traditionally look down on women, and the wall Antonia needs to break down even when she’s successful.