The Great Garrick

Renowned English actor who travels toward Paris to perform with the Comédie-Française. He is quick-witted, charming, and confident in his craft, yet his pride nearly blinds him to warning signs. Across the night, he confronts his ego, discovers genuine affection, and reaffirms the value of authentic performance.

A virginal young woman fleeing an arranged marriage, who encounters Garrick at the inn. She projects charm and courage, blending vulnerability with boldness. Her evolving feelings for Garrick challenge both their assumptions about love and performance.

Garrick’s loyal valet and companion, cautious and protective. He voices concerns for safety and propriety, often acting as a moral counterpoint to Garrick’s bravado. His steadiness helps anchor the shifting dynamics of the night.

Leader of the Paris troupe and instigator of the plot to undermine Garrick as a showcase of superiority. He embodies theatrical ambition and the maneuverings of a counterbalance to English influence. His leadership drives the initial antagonism that the night seeks to resolve.

An elderly prompter for the Comédie who once acted with Garrick and travels to warn him. He embodies loyalty and wisdom, urging Garrick to heed early warnings. His perspective bridges past collaborations with present tensions.

The sharp-witted French figure who participates in the playfully hostile plot against Garrick. He represents the clever, reform-minded energy of the French stage. His involvement foreshadows the dialogic clash and eventual mutual respect between theatres.

A comic host whose inn becomes the pressure cooker for escalating antics, including the plan to impede Garrick’s escape. He embodies the chaotic charm of a bustling mid-18th-century roadside stop. His role amplifies the farcical elements of the night.

A prominent figure associated with the Paris theatre, adding depth to the cross-cultural landscape. He contributes to the ensemble’s dynamic and the evolving conversation about acting styles. His presence grounds the narrative in a broader teatrical milieu.

A member of the French company who appears in the inn’s surrounding theatrics, representing the broader ensemble beyond Garrick and Germaine. She adds a layer of theatrical atmosphere to the night’s events.