Merrily We Go to Hell

An heiress who defies her father’s objections and embraces Jerry's volatile romance. She demonstrates quiet resilience, loyalty, and a willingness to push boundaries for love. She envisions a modern marriage, even as she negotiates independence and personal risk, including the possibility of affairs. Ultimately, she endures illness and seeks connection with Jerry amid social pressures.

A Chicago reporter and self-styled playwright whose charm hides deep insecurities and a struggle with alcohol. He faces rejection, relapse, and the difficulty of balancing ambition with responsibility. He seeks redemption through sobriety and returning to his career, hoping to repair his relationship with Joan. His journey is one of confession, longing, and imperfect progress.

Jerry's former girlfriend and the star of the play who introduces temptation and complexity to the romantic triangle. She embodies allure and competition, contributing to Jerry's relapse and the strain on his marriage. Her presence challenges Joan's patience and highlights the fragility of fidelity in a glamorous urban world.

Joan's father, a protective and status-conscious patriarch who objects to the marriage. He wields influence over the couple’s fate and maintains social proprieties, ultimately acting as a barrier to their happiness. His decisions reflect the era's tension between wealth, reputation, and personal choice.