An Awfully Big Adventure

A working-class girl drawn to the theatre, Stella navigates a male-dominated world with longing and impatience. She quickly becomes entangled in Meredith’s world, developing a crush on him and using her relationships to gain stage time. Her relationship with O'Hara reveals a complicated mix of affection and opportunism as she seeks experience and advancement.

The troupe’s sleazy, self-absorbed director who treats people with scorn and condescension. He is amoral and manipulative, preying on both women and men in the company. His vanity conceals a deeper history of harm, and his maxim about “hearts” driving his cruelty underscores his emotional detachment.

A brilliant actor returning to the company, haunted by wartime trauma and a lost love he believes bore him a son. He forms a deep emotional bond with Stella and begins an affair, balancing charm with inner turmoil. His discovery of a hidden paternity twist drives a pivotal, fatal moment in the story.

Stella’s guardian, who views theatre as her best chance to escape a routine job and improve her life. He pushes her toward auditions and speech coaching, believing performance is her escape route from the Woolworth’s counter. His guidance is well-meaning but materially controlling.

Stella’s aunt who provides domestic stability in a tough urban setting. She participates in the family’s dynamic and helps maintain the outward facade of normalcy while the theatre world swirls around them. Her presence anchors the homefront amid the troupe’s chaos.

A desperate actress who is dismissed by Meredith, reflecting the harsh realities of a career built on performances rather than support. Her fragility is magnified by the director’s contempt, leading to a dangerous brink of despair. Her trajectory underscores the vulnerability of performers within the company.

A fellow stagehand whom Potter toys with, ultimately confronting the cruel side of backstage power dynamics. Geoffrey’s anger and resentment erupt in a moment of defiance, illustrating how the environment can push individuals to breaking points. He embodies the human cost of Meredith’s control.

Meredith’s faithful stage manager, deeply loyal but not immune to the director’s sway. Bunny represents the often unseen labor behind a production, carrying the burden of keeping the company afloat amid manipulation and chaos. His position highlights the costs paid by those who stay in the wings.