An eighteen-year-old actress and courtesan who rises from a poverty-stricken childhood to become a Parisian sensation. She possesses magnetic beauty and an innate, irresistible sexual allure that captivates men of all social classes. Though she lacks formal acting talent, her ambition drives her to seek wealth and the respectability of a high-society lady, leading to extravagant consumer habits that continually empty her patrons' pockets.

A chamberlain to the Empress and a member of the French court, possessing vast political and social influence. Raised with strict Catholic piety, he leads a sexually repressed and austere lifestyle until his encounter with Nana. He struggles profoundly between his deep-seated religious devotion and the sudden, overwhelming desire he feels for the courtesan.

The aristocratic wife of Comte Muffat. Initially appearing cold, unsexual, and strictly bound to the severe traditions of her husband's family, she quietly harbors her own desires and resentments within her restrictive marriage.

A seventeen-year-old boy from a respectable family whose loud admiration of Nana turns the tide of the audience's opinion. Innocent, passionate, and deeply infatuated, he pursues Nana relentlessly despite his youth and his protective mother's strong disapproval.

A wealthy banker who frequently attends the theater to pursue and sponsor actresses. He represents the sheer financial power of the Parisian elite, using his vast resources in attempts to secure his place as one of Nana's primary protectors.

A prominent Parisian journalist and playwright whose articles significantly influence public opinion. He writes pieces that both praise Nana's magnetism and condemn her corrupting effect on the aristocracy, maneuvering comfortably through the social circles of the city's elite.

A well-known libertine, clever racehorse owner, and frequent guest at both high-society salons and bohemian parties. He wagers heavily on his horses and becomes deeply entangled in the financial and social web surrounding Nana.

An established actress at the Théâtre des Variétés whose position is threatened by Nana's sudden rise to fame. Managed by her husband, she takes on wealthy clients but feels intense professional and personal jealousy toward the new star.

A bisexual street sex worker and old friend of Nana. She provides Nana with solace, shared understanding, and a refuge from the abuses of men, offering a relationship that is both deeply loyal and tempestuous.

An actor at the Théâtre des Variétés with whom Nana becomes infatuated. Though initially charming and artistic, he reveals a brutal, violently controlling, and financially parasitic nature once they begin living together.

An actor at the Théâtre des Variétés and Rose's husband. He maintains a highly transactional arrangement with his wife, acting as her manager and arranging affairs with rich men for their mutual profit.

The cynical director and producer of the Théâtre des Variétés. He heavily markets Nana purely for her sexual appeal rather than any acting ability, knowing exactly what the Parisian audience wants to see and how to exploit it.

Comtesse Sabine's father. While he presents himself as a man of strict religious and aristocratic morals in public, he secretly chases after very young sex workers and embraces a hypocritical, lecherous lifestyle.

Fauchery's provincial cousin who arrives in Paris eager to experience its renowned nightlife. Naive but wealthy, he is easily swept into the social currents and dramatic affairs of the theater world.

A handsome, charming ladies' man who frequently attends the theater. He enjoys a casual romantic connection with Nana, though his lack of funds means he cannot serve as her official protector.

The kind but naive mother of Georges and Philippe. Living primarily at her country home, Les Fondettes, she is an old friend of Sabine's family who strongly disapproves of her sons' association with courtesans.

Nana's pragmatic and organized maid. She expertly manages her mistress's chaotic household, meticulously scheduling Nana's various male callers to ensure they do not cross paths.

An older, strictly religious Catholic man who serves as a spiritual mentor to Comte Muffat. He attempts to guide his friend away from the sinful temptations of Parisian nightlife.

A well-connected man-about-town who acts as a diplomat and fixer in Parisian society. He frequently assists the theater women with their practical and financial arrangements.

The daughter of Comte Muffat and Comtesse Sabine. She is raised in the austere tradition of her father's household, preparing for a respectable marriage.

Nana's aunt, who assists in caring for Nana's son, Louis. She provides a rare connection to Nana's working-class family roots and offers practical support.

Nana's young, sickly son, who spends his early days in the care of a wet nurse before being watched by his great-aunt.

Georges's older brother, who serves in a military regiment. Tasked with rescuing his sibling, he instead risks falling under the very same spell.

An actress and sex worker who moves in Nana's social circles. She grows frustrated by Hector de la Faloise's indecisiveness regarding his affections.

A wealthy foreign royal visiting Paris. He brings an elevated level of prestige and financial support to Nana as one of her high-profile lovers, validating her status among the elite.