An acclaimed film and stage actress living in a comfortable West Village apartment with her husband, Tomas. She approaches her craft with intense immersion, frequently struggling to maintain the boundary between her real self and her performed roles. Known for her breakout success in the film *Parts of Speech*, she is currently preparing for a new stage production. She harbors an underlying restlessness that has previously caused friction in her marriage, driving her to institute performative routines to maintain domestic peace.

A university student who approaches the narrator with the startling claim that he is her biological son. He actively studies her past performances, deliberately copying her subtle physical gestures to unnerve her and assert his presence. He is ambitious about building a career in the theater and leverages his unusual connection to the narrator to secure a foothold in the industry.

A writer and art critic who specializes in essays on subjects like Czech Cubism. He largely works from the comfortable West Village apartment he shares with his wife. He presents a calm, accommodating demeanor that masks unexpressed emotions regarding his marriage and a lingering sense of stagnation in his creative life.

A classmate of Xavier's and the daughter of friends of Anne. She possesses an alluring personality and a commanding presence that immediately disrupts established household routines. She is direct in her interactions, deliberately testing the boundaries and patience of those around her.

An exacting and respected theater director producing a new stage play called *Rivers*. She is highly professional, demanding excellence from her cast while actively mentoring young talent in the industry. She readily projects idealized archetypes onto the people she hires.

An emerging talent in the theater scene and the playwright of the new production. Her writing process is somewhat disjointed, leading to inconsistent characterizations that actively challenge the actors performing her work.

Anne's capable assistant during the early stages of the play's rehearsal process.

The deceased film director who helmed *Parts of Speech*, the movie that launched the narrator's career. He provided the narrator with her first genuinely humanizing acting role before his passing.

A mutual friend of Tomas and the narrator. He creates artwork and financially invests in local restaurants.