César Aira
César is the main character, who interestingly shares a name with the author. After a taste of poisoned strawberry ice-cream, César is hospitalized and in a delirium, not to lapse out of it until eight months later. One of the character's most defining traits is that they repeatedly refer to themselves as a girl, while everyone else sees them as a boy. This ambiguity is further explored in César's fragmented narrative, blending reality with a vivacious imagination.
César's father
César's father is well-loved by his daughter; César says “Dad could do no wrong in my eyes.” After he discovers the ice-cream he bought for César had cyanide in it, he flies into a rage and murders the ice-cream vendor, a crime César discovers he is imprisoned for when she wakes up.
Arturo Carrera
Arturo is César's only friend and confidant (along with her mother) after the strawberry ice-cream incident. Her preference of her imagination to spending time in reality with others prevents her from forming genuine relationships with anyone else.
