who are nicola and jacopo

Nicola was thirteen years old, loving, caring, responsible and quite innocent. He was a diligent worker who took care of his younger brother and ailing sister with an almost mother-like affection. He would often let his young brother sleep while he went out to sell newspaper, never indulged in self-pity in spite of their penurious condition and also possessed a rebellious spirit that made him face life quite stoically. His sense of purpose and drive to work was motivated by his devotion to his ailing sister. Jacopo was the younger of the two brothers, twelve years old, full of life and innocence, he carried an air of seriousness well beyond his actual years. He was as diligent and dedicated as his older brother and shared the responsibility of taking care of their sister.