Guy is an ambitious, talented architect seeking to build a prestigious career and marry his new love, Anne Faulkner. He feels trapped by his estranged, unfaithful wife, Miriam, who delays their divorce and threatens his social standing. Though he projects an outward appearance of capability and forward motion, Guy carries a deep internal fear of failure and an attraction to self-sabotage.

Charles Anthony Bruno is a wealthy, twenty-five-year-old Harvard dropout who lives a life of decadent boredom. He despises his father and feels trapped by his reliance on the family fortune, finding solace in heavy drinking and a dangerously impetuous worldview. He believes that a person should try everything, including the impossible. Driven by this philosophy, he impulsively proposes a "perfect crime" involving exchanging murders with a total stranger.

Miriam is Guy's estranged, unfaithful wife. She manipulates Guy by delaying their divorce proceedings despite being pregnant with another man's child. She represents Guy's past failures and acts as an immediate roadblock to his future happiness and professional success.

Anne is Guy's wealthy, supportive romantic partner who provides him with unconditional love and encouragement. She represents a bright, ideal future for Guy, which provides a clean break from his troubled past. However, her flawless image sometimes makes Guy feel inadequate and emotionally guarded.

Private Detective Arthur Gerard is a seemingly unkempt but highly perceptive investigator. Operating with a methodical, twin-track mind, he looks past surface appearances to draw connections that other law enforcement officials miss. He functions as the relentless face of the law and poses a severe threat to those attempting to conceal their crimes.

Elsie is Charles Anthony Bruno's mother. She lives a wealthy, social lifestyle and shares an unusually close, indulgent relationship with her son. Despite her affection for Bruno, she is largely ineffective at curbing his alcoholism or destructive behavior.

The Captain is Bruno's wealthy father who controls the family fortune. He disapproves of his son's decadent lifestyle and employs a private detective to monitor his activities.

Owen is a married man living in Metcalf who becomes involved with Miriam Joyce. Despite fathering her expected child, he has no intention of marrying her and adheres to an apathetic, self-serving worldview.

Guy's mother is a cheerful woman living in Metcalf. She maintains a wide emotional distance from her son, largely unaware of his deep-seated anxieties or the true importance of his architectural commissions.

Clarence Brillhart is the owner and manager of the prestigious Palmyra Country Club. He holds the power to grant Guy the most significant architectural commission of his early career.

Robert is an old friend of Guy Haines. Despite years of neglect from Guy, he remains a loyal companion who maintains a connection to him through significant life events and professional opportunities.

Sammy is a male friend of Elsie's whom Bruno intensely dislikes. He represents the frivolous, wealthy social circle that surrounds Bruno's mother.

Herbert is the loyal butler employed by Bruno's father, the Captain. He performs his duties diligently and attempts to protect the household from unauthorized intruders.