Last Exit to Brooklyn

Harry Black is a shrewd, self-serving union steward who relishes his role as strike secretary, using it to justify time away from his wife and to exercise influence over others. He navigates a double life, concealing his sexuality while courting Regina, which invites personal cost. After a riot at the factory, he earns temporary acclaim but is later fired for expense abuses and absence, leaving him broken.

Big Joe is a protective, hot-tempered worker who faces a personal crisis when his daughter becomes pregnant by Tommy. He wrestles with loyalty to his family and to the strike, often clashing with others as he defends his kin. His arc exposes the brutal tensions of a community under economic stress.

Tralala is a streetwise prostitute who lures sailors into danger and poverty, using her wits to survive in a hostile world. Her arc spans seduction, betrayal and trauma as she falls into a brutal gang rape and ends up catatonic, illustrating the perilous underbelly of the city. Her pursuit of affection leads her to moments of vulnerability and loss.

Georgette is a young transgender woman who harbors a crush on Vinnie, revealing the film's thread of nontraditional love and social marginalization. She participates in the strife and personal drama of the strike, seeking connection in a rough urban world. Her presence highlights gender identity issues in 1950s Brooklyn.

Vinnie is an ex-convict and Tralala's pimp who profites from the sailors and the chaos of the strike. He manipulates people and orchestrates dangerous schemes around the trucks and strike actions. His actions drive much of the violence and exploitation in the story.

Tommy is a motorcycle-riding factory worker who becomes the fiancé (and eventual husband) of Joe's daughter, symbolizing a younger generation's hopes. He confronts Joe and other tensions but generally strives for resolution and family unity, including planning the wedding just as the strike's outcome is revealed. His arc ties personal ambition to communal conflict.

Boyce is the union leader who negotiates between management and workers, offering a pragmatic but sometimes harsh stance. He becomes entangled in the strike's politics and in the fallout from Harry's schemes, ultimately playing a pivotal role in the strike's direction.

Regina is a transgender woman who becomes Harry's love interest, offering him emotional connection amid his external battles. Her relationship with Harry adds a layer of longing and vulnerability to the film's social commentary.