Wiletta is a middle-aged, experienced Black actress who has spent years in the entertainment industry working under white directors. Cast in a new Broadway play titled Chaos in Belleville, she takes a young actor under her wing while dealing with the racist stereotypes written into the script. She experiences tension between needing a steady paycheck and maintaining her artistic integrity.

John is a young, enthusiastic Black actor from Newport News, Virginia, eager to make his mark in show business. Though he possesses formal acting training, he lacks experience with the racial politics of the theater industry. He listens to the advice of older actors but finds himself easily swayed by the praise of his white director.

Manners is the white director of Chaos in Belleville, a well-tweeded Hollywood product directing his first Broadway show. He insists on a psychological directing method called justification and claims to be anti-racist. His interactions continually reveal deep-seated prejudices and sexist attitudes toward his cast.

Sheldon is an elderly Black character actor who prioritizes financial stability over the artistic integrity of the roles he plays. Having witnessed the horrific reality of racial violence as a child, he avoids conflict and goes out of his way to placate the white people in power. He also secretly writes music.

Millie is a 35-year-old Black actress cast in a supporting role. She openly expresses her frustration with the demeaning, stereotypical parts she is constantly hired to play. Despite her complaints and flashy attire, she relies heavily on the financial security the job provides.

Judy is a young, sheltered white actress from Connecticut who recently graduated from the Yale School of Drama. Well-intentioned but highly privileged, she frequently makes clumsy or micro-aggressive comments. She feels deeply uncomfortable with the racist dialogue her character is required to speak during rehearsal.

Henry is the elderly Irish doorman at the theater. A veteran of show business for over fifty years, he previously worked as an electrician and operated the lights for an old show of Wiletta's. He treats the actors with genuine respect but faces impatience from the production staff.

Eddie is the skittish white stage manager for the production. He carries out errands for the director and manages the technical elements of the rehearsal, including a tape recorder for canned applause. He prioritizes keeping the rehearsal moving smoothly over standing up for himself.

Bill is an older white character actor cast as a Southern gentleman in the play. He insists he does not have a prejudiced bone in his body but actively refuses to eat lunch with his Black castmates because he dislikes being stared at in public. He prefers comfort and tradition over social progress.