Stella is the observant wife of New York State Supreme Court Justice Joseph Crater. Living in a tense and unhappy marriage, she despises her husband's blatant infidelity and corrupt political dealings but feels trapped by her reliance on his position. She carefully balances public appearances with her private anger, managing a precarious social standing when he suddenly goes missing.

Sally Lou Ritz, an aspiring Broadway chorus girl from Iowa, finds herself deeply entangled in New York's corrupt underground as Joe Crater's mistress. Controlled by the notorious gangster Owney Madden, she works exhaustively to appease the powerful men who use her as a pawn and spy. Despite her vulnerable position, she relies on her street smarts to survive her dangerous circumstances.

Maria is a hardworking seamstress and maid who accidentally discovers Justice Crater's affair while cleaning his apartment. Devoted to her newly promoted detective husband, Jude, she soon realizes his professional advancement comes with dangerous obligations to New York's corrupt political machine. Balancing two jobs, she struggles with fertility issues and the growing weight of secrets she keeps to protect her family.

Joe Crater is a crooked New York State Supreme Court Justice who operates at the center of Tammany Hall's political machine. Selfish, arrogant, and unscrupulous, he views his wife Stella merely as a means to maintain public respectability while treating his mistress as disposable entertainment. His sudden disappearance sets the central mystery in motion.

Owney is a notorious gangster who operates Club Abbey, a prominent Greenwich Village speakeasy. Unconcerned with appearances, he wields immense influence over the city's power dynamics, routinely manipulating judges, police officers, and chorus girls to maintain his criminal empire. He is dangerous, impatient, and expects absolute obedience from those under his control.

Jude is a newly minted NYPD detective who finds himself assigned to investigate the disappearance of Justice Crater. Deeply in love with his wife, he is initially unaware of the back-channel favors that secured his promotion. As he looks into the investigation, he is forced to manage the ethical compromises demanded by his corrupt superiors.

William is Joe Crater's close friend and frequent companion in New York's nightlife scene. He is well-connected within the city's entertainment and political circles, though his loyalty is frequently tested by the self-serving nature of his environment.

Vivian is a notorious madam and former sex worker who rooms with Sally Lou Ritz. World-weary but fiercely protective of her friends, she harbors hopes of reclaiming custody of her estranged daughter and escaping the dangerous grip of New York's organized crime network.

Leo is Jude's veteran detective partner on the police force. Deeply embedded in the corrupt practices of the department, he embraces the graft and cronyism of the era, frequently serving as an intimidating enforcer of the status quo.

Simon is a legal associate of Joe Crater who assists Stella with financial and estate matters. He is highly protective of the judge's political reputation and advises Stella to keep quiet about the disappearance to avoid scandal.

George is a tenacious newspaper reporter for the New York World who investigates the corruption within the city's political arena. He actively pursues leads on the rumored sale of judgeships and the mystery surrounding Crater's whereabouts.

Shorty is a loyal thug and driver employed by Owney Madden. He serves as Owney's eyes and ears, running errands and ensuring the boss's orders are strictly followed by the chorus girls and associates in Owney's orbit.

Emma is Stella's mother, a pragmatic woman who highly values social propriety. She encourages her daughter to maintain appearances and gracefully weather the scandals surrounding Joe's public life.

Donald owns Smithson Tailors and employs Maria as a seamstress. He recognizes her talent but refuses to hire her full-time due to his own professional ego, though he trusts her with his most dangerous clients.

Father Finn is a congenial Catholic priest who serves as a spiritual confidant for both Maria and Jude. He encourages honesty and moral clarity in a city steeped in corruption.

Charlie is a farmer living in Shelby, Iowa. He represents a simpler, more honest life far removed from the treacherous, corrupt environment of New York City's theater and political scenes.

Stan is the observant bartender at Owney Madden's speakeasy, Club Abbey. He witnesses the secretive meetings and shifting power dynamics among the city's elite patrons.