There are two main properties of Italy which help to make the plot of The Italian, which is often comically fanciful, more realistic and grounded. The first is the ongoing force with which people still hold to the ancient lines of their family. With a history that dates back to at least the Romans, and both the Romans and later the Catholic church keeping detailed records of family lines, it is easy to see why people would openly display and respect their heritage since unlike with Americans it is understood that everyone has access to the knowledge of their family. This is central to The Italian since it shows why Ellena and Vivaldi can't escape their history to be together. The second aspect is the almost universal, at least at the time the novel was written, respect for the Catholic church. Because of this the story can be preserved through people who are given sanctuary by the church, and the church plays an important role in keeping characters apart when necessary, either through inquisition trials and imprisonment or forced recruiting into a convent.
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