The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

Music is the narrator of the novel, but he is also an important character. He considers himself to be a timeless, ageless talent that was created in nature. He and the other talents hover around newborn babies, presenting themselves as vivid colors, and the baby grabs whatever color it likes best. Although Music has no shape or body, he has a voice, thoughts, opinions, and is all-knowing. He can see every path a person might take, and as a result, he can see the future. He seems to have a complicated relationship with Frankie. At various points in the novel, he refers to Frankie as being like a child, a part of him, yet he is also jealous of Aurora, the one person who could compete with him for Frankie’s attention.

It’s not clear whether Music really cares about Frankie on an emotional level, but his distress when Frankie scars his playing hand suggests he might. Music tells Frankie’s life story, but he doesn’t overtly express any emotive sentiments about him; he never says that he loves Frankie or is sad about the tragic circumstances in his life (although he does state his opinion when he thinks things are wrong, like when Frankie used drugs, drank, or when he forsook his guitar playing for fame). 

Aurora is Frankie’s main love interest. Although he briefly marries another woman, his heart has always belonged to Aurora. She is best described as a free spirit. Her father was a spy who left her family when she was young. When her mother remarried an abusive man, she ran away from the family and sought a new life in America. When she first reunites with Frankie, it’s clear that she is ashamed about her past, although she never directly says why. When she realizes that Frankie’s musical ambitions will take him away from her, she leaves him first; this seems to be a defense mechanism against getting hurt—a way to feel in control.

While Aurora comes in and out of Frankie’s life, her love for him remains constant. She supports his musical talent, but not necessarily his career. For example, when they first reunite in America, she doesn’t like the way Frankie’s manager gets him to sell out by forsaking his guitar playing and focusing on his singing. However, later in life, Aurora encourages him to play again after injuring his hand. Ultimately, she always wanted Frankie to follow his heart rather than the expectations of others. 

Baffa is Frankie’s adopted father. A sardine factory owner by trade, he is a simple man of faith. Before Frankie, he had never been married or had children. When he finds Frankie, he believes it’s a miracle, and he immediately takes him in as his son. He selflessly loves Frankie, pouring his money and time into getting him guitar lessons. When he is arrested at his factory, he gives El Maestro his entire life savings to ensure that Frankie leaves Spain and finds refuge in America. When Frankie learns the truth that Baffa isn’t his real father, he is angry at him for most of his adulthood. However, by the end of the novel, Frankie has forgiven him, finally realizing the extent of Baffa’s love for him.