Binx is a twenty-nine-year-old stockbroker living in Gentilly, a quiet suburb of New Orleans. A veteran of the Korean War, he suffers from a profound sense of isolation he calls the "malaise" and frequently attends movies to feel connected to humanity. He engages in a conscious, private search for meaning and authenticity amid the overwhelming ordinariness of his daily life, distracting himself with his red MG and short-lived romances with his secretaries.

Kate is Binx's twenty-five-year-old cousin, a wealthy and complicated young woman carrying the trauma of a fatal car accident that killed her former fiancé. She exhibits a pattern of unstable, sometimes self-destructive behavior, finding the traditional expectations of her upper-class family stifling. She shares a unique emotional connection with Binx, as they both understand each other's psychological vulnerabilities without judgment.

Binx's aunt is a formidable, intense woman who took charge of his education after his father died. She holds exceptionally high expectations for her family members, particularly Binx, whom she believes should pursue a prestigious career in medicine or research. She operates with a strict sense of duty, tradition, and Southern propriety.

Sharon is Binx's capable new secretary, described by him as a large, beautiful woman who physically resembles a majorette. She is practical, quick to learn, and intuitively aware of Binx's attraction to her. While she humors his attention and occasional romantic overtures, she maintains a firm, friendly boundary.

Binx's mother is a former nurse who married Binx's father and later remarried after his death. She manages a large, busy household with a practiced emotional resilience, having survived multiple family tragedies. This protective emotional distance makes it difficult for Binx to connect with her intimately, though she willingly shares memories of his father.

Lonnie is Binx's fourteen-year-old half-brother. Confined to a wheelchair and physically frail, he possesses an intense religious devotion and plans to fast strictly during Lent despite his delicate health. He shares Binx's love for movies and relies on their mutual affection for emotional support.

Uncle Jules is Emily's husband, Kate's father, and the owner of the brokerage firm where Binx works. He is a pragmatic businessman who rewards Binx for his financial successes and attempts to integrate him into New Orleans high society.

Walter is Kate's fiancé and an old college fraternity acquaintance of Binx. He represents the ideal, upper-class New Orleans gentleman and persistently tries to draw Binx into prestigious social clubs and carnival krewes.

Sam is a charismatic writer and family friend who occasionally visits New Orleans on lecture tours. He possesses a bold confidence that contrasts with Binx's quiet nature, taking a sudden, intense interest in Kate's well-being.

Roy is Binx's stepfather and a car dealer who enjoys fishing and playing poker. He provides for his large family but generally remains in the background of Binx's emotional life.

Eddie is a local acquaintance whose deceased brother was previously engaged to Kate. He embodies the conventional, settling-down trajectory that Binx finds alienating.

Nell is Eddie's wife, a woman whose excessive earnestness and eager talk about personal values cause a visceral reaction of disgust in Binx. She represents the hollow social interactions Binx actively tries to avoid.

Harold is an old army friend who saved Binx's life during the war. He lives in Chicago with his wife and new baby, holding onto a deep sense of camaraderie that Binx struggles to reciprocate fully.

Mrs. Schexnaydre is Binx's vigorous, pony-sized landlady who wears sneakers year-round. She looks out for him in small, neighborly ways.

Mr. Sartalamaccia is a local developer interested in purchasing a parcel of land from Binx. He takes an enthusiastic, forward-looking approach to business and property development.