Conflict

Francesca is surrounded by conflict in this show. On once hand, her personality demands attention. there is too much time (according to Francesca) when Palermo draws the attention away from her. On the next, Francesca as a powerful member of her family wants to stay low key enough that she does not offer herself up to trouble.

On top of that, Francesca is hopelessly devoted to Vincenzo. She loves him, and cares about his well-being. However, she is quite power hungry. She might be marrying him for power, or killing him for even more power. Her inner struggle sometimes shows on the outside in conversations with the Bishop.

There is a clear external conflict between Palermo and Francesca. He has a problem with her which she cannot quite put her finger on. However his hatred to her only elevates her hatred to him.