The Characters

​

Carmela, 20: Born in Cuba, Carmela’s mother is a dancer, and her father is a musician. From a young age she is trained in traditional dances and participates in Carnaval. As a child, she is sent to Miami to live with relatives, where she continues her dance training. As a young adult, she struggles to transform her talent & passion for dance into a viable career. While Carmela is very practical, she also believes in following her dreams. When faced with the opportunity of a lifetime, she must learn to follow her heart, no matter what the cost, and to trust in her own artistry and intuition.

 

Derrick, 20: Born in Trinidad, his mother and father both play key roles in the Trinidad Carnaval celebration. From a young age he participates as a musician. His mentor, Preacher, is like a second father. Derrick lives his whole life in Trinidad until he is a young adult, and longs to leave for the shores of America, and the possibility of a more successful music career. When he finally gets this opportunity, he falls in love with Carmela the moment their eyes meet. Always a dreamer, he believes in love at first sight, and never gives up on the woman of his dreams, even when circumstances & people conspire to keep them apart. 

 

Phillip, 30: Phillip is the director of the show Carmela stars in, and becomes her manager and other love interest. Driven and practical, Carmela sees him as a gateway to success, and initially seeks his approval. He knows this, and uses it to his advantage. While he does have true feelings for Carmela, they are deeply intermixed with his desire to control people in his life, and his desire to be loved by many women. He knows how to play a game and win it, but the match with Carmela gives him a challenge he never expected.

​

Madrina, 50: Madrina, Carmela’s Godmother & spiritual advisor, narrates portions of her life and provides important context as well as comedic relief. She lives somewhere between the worlds of mortals and gods. She knows all and sees all. She speaks directly to the African gods, and they speak to her.  Carmela is her favorite godchild, and she will use all of the powers at her disposal to protect and guide Carmela to the happy ending she is destined for & deserves.

​

Preacher, 50: Preacher, for better or for worse, is Derek’s mentor. Contrary to his name, he is not a preacher, nor is he a spiritual advisor of any type--but his penchant for speaking in proverbs earned him this nickname. He has a gift for gab and people can’t help but fall under his charismatic spell. He has contributed to Derrick’s romantic tendencies, and loves to be surrounded by beautiful ladies. His lust for life is contagious, and his colorful advice accompanies Derrick throughout the story.