Although lovers Simona and Pasquino are elevated by their love and portrayed positively despite their low social status, Pasquino’s friends are caricatures of working-class people, with unflattering nicknames that question their personalities (Stramba essentially means “Weirdo”) or mock their physical appearance (like Potbelly). Elitism is at play here, despite the book’s claim that character is more important than wealth. But it's elitism based in demeanor, and these men prove the lowliness of their attitudes—not just their class status—in their relentless attack on Simona. For her part, her vulnerability to the men around her, and their assumptions about her character and guilt, is on display throughout her trial.