Sammy is a relentlessly ambitious young man from an impoverished New York neighborhood. He treats his life and career as a high-speed race, constantly seeking to outpace his peers for money and influence. Unbothered by traditional morals or community loyalties, he utilizes his sharp intuition to secure advantageous positions in the Hollywood studio system. His fixation on material wealth manifests in a particular obsession with expensive, custom-made shoes.

Al serves as the story's narrator and primary moral conscience. Generally good-natured, he takes a slower, more passive approach to life and work. He finds himself compulsively analyzing the psychology behind ruthless ambition, tracking the trajectory of a manipulative younger colleague. Through his transition to Hollywood screenwriting, he maintains a steady idealism.

Kit is a highly capable and intelligent Hollywood screenwriter. She understands the cynical machinery of the studio system perfectly but directs her energy toward collective action rather than personal enrichment. Deeply involved in the Screen Writers Guild, she fights for fair labor practices. She balances her tough, pragmatic approach to union organizing with a genuine love for the craft of writing.

Julian is a gifted young writer from an impoverished Jewish background in New York. He possesses true artistic ability but completely lacks the assertiveness necessary to defend his work in the cutthroat entertainment industry. His passive nature makes him an easy target for more aggressive individuals looking to steal credit for his storytelling.

Sidney is an experienced producer who maintains a sincere respect for the art of filmmaking. He views cinema as a craft rather than just a profit engine. He attempts to foster good storytelling but faces continuous pressure from studio executives and aggressive subordinates who prioritize commercial success over artistic integrity.

Laurette is the wealthy, cultured daughter of a prominent studio shareholder. She represents the zenith of high society, carrying herself with an air of superiority and confidence. Her old money background makes her intensely desirable to men looking to legitimize their sudden wealth and power.

Rosalie is a young Jewish woman living in New York. She is entirely captivated by her ambitious boyfriend, trusting his promises of a glamorous future. She is willing to sell her possessions and uproot her life based on his assurances.

Blanche is the practical and fiercely protective wife of a struggling young writer. She recognizes when her husband is being taken advantage of and refuses to let him accept exploitative conditions quietly. She serves as the backbone for her family when professional pressures mount.

Israel is a devout and dedicated teacher working at a neighborhood Settlement house in New York. He remains in the impoverished community where he grew up, choosing to support the vulnerable people around him rather than seeking personal enrichment.

Mrs. Glickstein is a first-generation immigrant living in a poor New York neighborhood. She maintains a cheerful optimism about her younger son's success in Hollywood, displaying pride in the occasional financial support he sends home.

Formerly a diamond cutter who was forced into glasswork upon arriving in America, he was a deeply principled man. He valued honest labor and community solidarity, feeding hungry neighbors despite his own poverty.

An older Catholic boy from Rivington Street who frequently targets younger children for violent bullying. He attempts to recruit local boys into criminal enterprises, relying on brute force and intimidation to maintain control of the streets.

Billie is a pragmatic woman who frequents Hollywood social clubs. She maintains clear boundaries regarding her physical relationships, avoiding intimacy that feels transactional or insincere.

Franklin is a Hollywood producer actively searching for new material to adapt. He is easily impressed by confident pitches, making him an ideal target for fast-talking studio climbers.

George is a distinguished, Pulitzer Prize-winning author. His presence in Hollywood carries immense cultural cachet, making him a highly desirable social conquest for ambitious individuals seeking to elevate their own status.

Harrington is the powerful chairman of the studio's board of directors. As a major shareholder, he holds absolute authority over the careers of studio executives, prioritizing financial returns over artistic merit.

Ruth is a young woman who attends a major industry party on a date. She experiences the harsh realities of Hollywood social climbing when she is abruptly ignored in favor of a more prestigious arrival.