The Big Sleep

A hard-boiled private detective hired to uncover the blackmail plot against General Sternwood. He moves through a maze of suspects with cool resolve, using wit and nerve to stay one step ahead. Though cynical, he maintains a personal code and a willingness to risk himself to protect innocent people. He ultimately unveils the web of lies and forces accountability.

General Sternwood's daughter, curious and socially savvy. She's drawn into the darker intrigues surrounding her family and Camilla, yet remains a guarded figure whose actions influence the investigation. Her gambling debts and loyalties pull the narrative toward a dangerous truth.

The younger Sternwood daughter, alluring but emotionally unstable. She is entangled in the blackmail plot, has a history of violence (having murdered her sister's husband), and seeks protection while also seeking control over her fate. She responds to Marlowe with mixed gratitude and danger.

The aging, gravely ill patriarch who hires Marlowe to solve the blackmail; a figure of authority whose illness and pride drive the stakes. He remains mostly unaware of the deeper truths until the end.

A gambler and house owner who wields influence over Charlotte by debts and leverage; he’s a shady businessman whose motives cross lines. He uses wealth and connections to steer events in his favor, often at others' expense.

Mars's missing wife, absent for a period and suspected of running off with Rusty Regan. Her absence threads through the investigation, hinting at hidden alliances and motives behind the disappearances.

Employee at Geiger who becomes involved in blackmail; willing to sell information and to plot with others. She serves as a calculating intermediary within the conspiracy that entangles several characters.

A pornographer whose cache of photographs becomes central to the extortion scheme; connected to Geiger and to Camilla. His presence heightens the danger surrounding the case.

A hit man working for Mars who poisons a key witness and is later confronted by Marlowe. He embodies the violence underlying the blackmail plot and its fallout.

Charlotte's missing husband, a gambler whose disappearance triggers the investigation. His fate is tied to Mona and Mars's schemes, driving the narrative toward revelation.