Hamilton: The Revolution

Lin Manuel Miranda, Jeremy McCarter

Hamilton: The Revolution

Lin Manuel Miranda, Jeremy McCarter
70 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Play
Adult
Published in 2015

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

A self-taught writer and ambitious immigrant striving to secure a position in the developing nation. He works tirelessly, writing high volumes of text to push his political ideals. His restless energy dictates his approach to both war and politics, though his blunt nature frequently creates enemies.

Key Relationships

Rival of Aaron Burr

Subordinate to George Washington

Husband of Eliza Hamilton

Sister-in-Law of Angelica Church

Friend of John Laurens

Friend of Marquis de Lafayette

Friend of Hercules Mulligan

Father of Philip Hamilton

Political Rival of Thomas Jefferson

Romantic Partner of Maria Reynolds

An educated and respected orphan from a prominent family who approaches the rising revolution with caution and patience. He serves as a counterpart to Hamilton, preferring to wait for opportunities rather than rushing recklessly into danger. He is highly intelligent and charismatic, but his lack of strong public convictions frustrates his peers.

Key Relationships

Rival of Alexander Hamilton

Subordinate to George Washington

Ally of Thomas Jefferson

Ally of James Madison

Romantic Partner of Theodosia

Father of Theodosia Burr

The commanding military leader of the American forces and the first president of the United States. He is a pragmatic and experienced figure who understands the heavy burden of leadership and the watchful eye of history. He serves as an essential stabilizing force in the chaotic early days of the republic.

Key Relationships

Commander of Alexander Hamilton

Leader of Thomas Jefferson

Commander of Aaron Burr

Commander of Marquis de Lafayette

Commander of Charles Lee

The middle daughter of the wealthy Schuyler family. She falls in love with Hamilton at a winter ball, offering him a stabilizing presence. She continually urges her husband to focus on his life and family rather than solely on his political legacy.

Key Relationships

Wife of Alexander Hamilton

Younger Sister of Angelica Church

Older Sister of Peggy Schuyler

Mother of Philip Hamilton

Daughter of Philip Schuyler

The eldest Schuyler sister, intensely aware of her social responsibilities to marry well. She seeks an intellectual equal, engaging in a lifelong correspondence with Hamilton while fiercely protecting her younger sister's happiness over her own desires.

Key Relationships

Older Sister of Eliza Hamilton

Older Sister of Peggy Schuyler

Sister-in-Law of Alexander Hamilton

Daughter of Philip Schuyler

A wealthy Virginian who steps into the role of Secretary of State after returning from France. He emerges as Hamilton's most powerful ideological opponent, preferring agricultural power and states' rights over a centralized financial system.

Key Relationships

Political Rival of Alexander Hamilton

Ally of James Madison

Ally of Aaron Burr

Subordinate to George Washington

Supporting Characters

A French immigrant joining the American Revolution out of a shared desire to dismantle the monarchy. He is a flamboyant, fast-talking soldier who secures funds, weapons, and naval support from France for the American cause.

Key Relationships

Friend of Alexander Hamilton

Subordinate to George Washington

Friend of Hercules Mulligan

Friend of John Laurens

A tailor's apprentice using his trade as a cover to work as a spy during the revolution. He embraces the war as an opportunity for social advancement and excitement, showing little fear in the face of the British army.

Key Relationships

Friend of Alexander Hamilton

Friend of Marquis de Lafayette

Friend of John Laurens

A passionate young revolutionary fighting not only for American independence but also for the abolition of slavery. He is fiercely loyal to his friends and to his principles, rushing headlong into conflict to defend what he believes is right.

Key Relationships

Friend of Alexander Hamilton

Friend of Marquis de Lafayette

Friend of Hercules Mulligan

Opponent of Charles Lee

A Virginia politician who collaborates with Hamilton on defending the Constitution but later vehemently opposes his financial systems. He works closely with Jefferson to strategize against Hamilton's centralized government.

Key Relationships

Ally of Thomas Jefferson

Political Opponent of Alexander Hamilton

Ally of Aaron Burr

The eldest son of Alexander and Eliza Hamilton. He grows into a confident, charming, and intelligent young man who idolizes his father and eagerly seeks to defend his family's honor when it is publicly insulted.

Key Relationships

Son of Alexander Hamilton

Son of Eliza Hamilton

Opponent of George Eacker

A woman trapped in an abusive marriage who seeks out Hamilton's assistance. She initiates a relationship with him that eventually entangles Hamilton in an extortion scheme orchestrated by her husband.

Key Relationships

Romantic Partner of Alexander Hamilton

Wife of James Reynolds

The monarch of England who views the colonies' rebellion as the tantrum of a disobedient partner. He observes the American experiment from afar, highly amused and skeptical about the colonists' ability to govern themselves.

Key Relationships

Opponent of George Washington

The youngest of the three Schuyler sisters. She is highly anxious about breaking her father's rules but is brought along to witness the start of the revolution by her older, more adventurous siblings.

Key Relationships

Younger Sister of Eliza Hamilton

Younger Sister of Angelica Church

Daughter of Philip Schuyler

A prominent, wealthy figure in New York whose status provides a comfortable life for his daughters. He gives Hamilton his blessing to marry Eliza and later finds his political position challenged by Aaron Burr.

Key Relationships

Father of Eliza Hamilton

Father of Angelica Church

Father of Peggy Schuyler

Father-in-Law of Alexander Hamilton

Political Opponent of Aaron Burr

A conservative farmer and English loyalist. He attempts to persuade the public against the revolution, arguing that England should maintain control over the colonies.

Key Relationships

Ideological Opponent of Alexander Hamilton

A military general whose incompetence in battle causes significant issues for the Continental Army. After being fired by Washington, he publicly insults the commander, prompting a confrontation with Hamilton's allies.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to George Washington

Opponent of John Laurens

A man who publicly disparages Alexander Hamilton's character in a speech. His willingness to insult a prominent figure's legacy leads to a severe confrontation with Hamilton's son.

Key Relationships

Opponent of Philip Hamilton

The abusive husband of Maria Reynolds. He discovers his wife's affair and uses the information to extort money from Alexander Hamilton, threatening to expose the scandal.

Key Relationships

Husband of Maria Reynolds

Blackmailer of Alexander Hamilton

A married woman whose husband fights for the British. She captures Aaron Burr's heart, leading him to wait patiently for a time when they can legitimately be together.

Key Relationships

Romantic Partner of Aaron Burr

The infant daughter of Aaron Burr. Her arrival profoundly changes Burr's perspective, inspiring him to dedicate his life to building a nation suitable for her future.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Aaron Burr