Our Betters

An American hardware heiress who becomes a force in British high society. After learning her husband married her for money, she grows hard and cynical, using charm and cleverness to maintain her status. She engineers reconciliations, wields influence over friendships, and even steers romantic entanglements within her circle. Her arc probes how wealth and social power can substitute for genuine affection.

A gossip-loving friend within Pearl's social circle who comments on marriages, affairs, and reputations. He observes the web of alliances with wit and insight, contributing to the social dynamics that drive the plot. His presence underscores the performative nature of high society and the fragility of status when secrets emerge. He serves as both insider and commentator in Pearl's world.

Minnie’s private wooer who secretly pursues Pearl. He becomes entangled in Pearl's social games, playing a catalytic role in the scandal that unfolds. His discreet rendezvous and the ensuing fallout illustrate how flirtations can ripple through the weekend's carefully curated image. Pepi embodies the friction between desire and social risk.

Pearl's glamorous but scheming friend who shows sharp jealousy and social savvy. She publicly denounces Pearl after catching wind of Pearl's infidelity, triggering tensions within the group. Minnie uses wit and social leverage to navigate the weekend, revealing the darker side of aristocratic camaraderie. Her actions drive the central conflict and test Pearl's resilience.

Pearl's younger sister who is introduced to English aristocracy and drawn into the high-society glamour. She accepts Lord Harry Bleane's proposal, but Pearl's behavior later sours her view of the family circle. Bessie's instincts clash with Pearl's scheming, and she witnesses the social turbulence up close. Her perspective provides a contrasting lens to Pearl's manipulative poise.

Pearl's former fiancé who arrives to see Bessie. He is wealthy and adoring, yet his relationship with Pearl has cooled, highlighting Pearl's shifting affections and the changing dynamics of her social world. His presence underscores the costs of Pearl's strategic choices on personal history. He stands as a reminder of past commitments within the circle.

An effete dance instructor who teaches the tango and provides a fashionable, lighthearted counterpoint to the mood of the weekend. He embodies the social rituals of the era, offering wit and a touch of elegance to the party scenes. Ernest represents the playful side of upper-class performance and culture.

A philanthropic princess who embodies a more benevolent facet of the upper class. She participates in social circles with a sense of duty and generosity, contrasting with the more self-serving aspects of the others. Her presence adds a layer of grace and public-spiritedness to the elite group.