Anne is a recent Radcliffe College graduate from Lawrenceville, Massachusetts. She possesses a striking, girl-next-door beauty that quickly draws the attention of wealthy and influential men in New York. Though she is highly competent and ambitious enough to escape her small-town roots, she retains conservative, traditional views on love and marriage. She seeks genuine romance rather than transactional relationships, often acting as the moral center of her friend group.

Neely is a 17-year-old budding performer with raw, undeniable talent and boundless energy. Originally part of a post-vaudeville trio called the Gaucheros, she is fiercely driven to achieve stardom and willing to push herself to the limit to succeed. Beneath her brash, child-like exterior, she harbors a deep desire for adulation and a man who will take care of her.

Jennifer is a showgirl renowned for her astonishing physical beauty and voluptuous figure. She operates with a cynical, pragmatic understanding of how men view her, having already survived a brief marriage to a broke European royal. Despite her glamorous lifestyle, she struggles with severe insecurity and desperately wants a stable relationship with someone who values her personality over her appearance.

Lyon is a debonair, half-English attorney working for Henry Bellamy. The war has left him restless and disillusioned with his corporate legal career, sparking a desire to become a novelist instead. He possesses a magnetic charm that makes him highly attractive to women, though he guards his independence fiercely and resists commitment.

Henry is the senior partner of Bellamy and Bellows, a prestigious law firm representing high-profile entertainers. He is shrewd, highly protective, and intimately familiar with the ruthless mechanics of show business. He acts as a father figure and mentor to Anne, offering her unvarnished advice about the industry and the men within it.

Helen is a legendary, middle-aged Broadway star who dominates the theatrical world through sheer willpower and talent. She is fiercely protective of her spotlight and views younger talent as a direct threat. Beneath her aggressive, brassy exterior, she suffers from loneliness and a desperate desire for the affection of powerful men.

Tony is a handsome, rapidly rising singer with a magnetic stage presence. He is completely dependent on his older sister, Miriam, who manages every aspect of his life and career. He is easily swayed by physical attraction but ultimately prioritizes his professional success above personal commitments.

Miriam is Tony's older half-sister and his fiercely controlling manager. Having raised him since birth, she treats him more like a valuable asset and a child than an independent adult. She is highly suspicious of any women who show interest in Tony, viewing them as threats to his livelihood and her control.

Initially posing as a terrible insurance salesman, Allen is actually the wealthy heir to a real estate empire. He treats romance as an acquisition, investigating Anne thoroughly before deciding she is the perfect, respectable woman to serve as his wife. He refuses to take no for an answer, believing his wealth entitles him to whatever he desires.

Gino is a powerful real estate tycoon and Allen's father. He frequents the elite nightclubs of New York and finds himself the unwilling target of Helen Lawson's aggressive romantic affections, which he relies on Anne to help him avoid.

Kevin is the pragmatic CEO of Gillian Cosmetics. He recognizes Anne's flawless look as the perfect advertising tool and hires her to be the "Gillian Girl." He blends business with romance, treating his relationship with Anne with the same calculated strategy he applies to his corporation.

Mel is a gangly, devoted press agent who falls for Neely during the early stages of her ascent in show business. He provides her with steadfast support, though he struggles to define his own role as her stardom rapidly outpaces his career.

Ted is a Hollywood makeup artist and wardrobe man who becomes involved in Neely's life. He represents the crucial behind-the-scenes studio machinery that maintains the flawless illusions of the entertainment industry.

Claude is a French director and producer who capitalizes on Jennifer's immense beauty by casting her in soft-core films. He views actresses entirely as visual assets, demanding strict adherence to punishing physical standards.

George is Henry Bellamy's trusted law partner. Together, they navigate the complex, often ruthless politics of representing high-profile Broadway and Hollywood clients.

Gil is the producer of the Broadway musical *Hit the Sky*. He constantly navigates the turbulent egos of his cast members, frequently bending to the demands of powerful stars to keep his show running smoothly.

Terry is a talented performer cast in *Hit the Sky*. Her abilities make her the target of Helen Lawson's professional jealousy, illustrating the volatile nature of theater casting.

Winston is a distinguished, widowed US senator who courts Jennifer. He represents the establishment respectability and security that Jennifer seeks in her romantic life.

Margie is a rising young performer who signs with the agency. Her youth and ambition make her a valuable asset in the highly competitive management world.

Carmen is a young singer and starlet who has recently earned a screen test with a Hollywood studio, eager to secure a place in the film industry.

Ronnie is a prominent New York gossip columnist who thrives on breaking exclusive stories about the city's social elite. He embodies the relentless media machinery that dictates public standing.