What is one characteristic of the souls in the first circle of Hell?

In Dante's "Inferno," the first circle of Hell, known as Limbo, is occupied by souls who lived virtuous lives but were not baptized or knew not Christ. This inability to attain salvation is what characterizes them. Unlike the souls in other circles of Hell, those in Limbo do not experience active punishment or torment; instead, they exist in a state of longing and unfulfilled potential. Their suffering arises from the absence of God's grace rather than physical torment. This distinction highlights the nature of their existence in Limbo; they are trapped in a state of moral purity without the blessing of salvation.

The other characteristics presented in the choices do not apply to Limbo. For instance, the souls here are not punished by fire, nor are they dealing with the consequences of greed or eternal coldness, as those are associated with later circles where specific sins are punished in more severe ways.