The Time of Your Life

Joseph, known as Joe, is a witty, well-dressed man who is unemployed but appears financially secure. He spends much time at Nick's table, offering advice, money, and a civilized outlook, all while trying not to hurt anyone. He believes the real truth about a person lies in their dreams, not their outward circumstances. His presence anchors conversations and catalyzes acts of generosity.

Kitty Duval is presented as a supposed burlesque actress with the real name Katerina Kornovsky. It is implied she has been a prostitute. Tom is innocently infatuated with her, and Joe helps navigate the situation. She navigates flirtation, fear, and vulnerability within the microcosm of Nick's.

Tom is Joe's best friend who seems to owe his life to Joe and runs peculiar errands for him. He rarely asserts his own ambitions but gradually moves toward independence, eventually taking a job as a truck driver. His loyalty to Joe drives much of the film's emotional arc.

An older man dressed like a cowboy who introduces himself as Kit Carson. He appears enigmatic but becomes a crucial ally, foiling extortion and helping protect the others. His presence adds a touch of old-world legend to the saloon's microcosm.

Freddie Blick extorts money from Nick and harasses Kitty, creating tension within the saloon. He represents the invasive menace that Nick and the others push back against. His scheming is confronted by Joe, Kit Carson, and the others who refuse to let him ruin Kitty's life.

Willie is a 'marble game maniac' who finds joy and focus in pinball-like challenges. He is another thread in the saloon's tapestry, revealing a dream-like persistence and a simple yet earnest desire to win.

Nick runs the Pacific Street Saloon and is the sign-maker who invites patrons to 'Come in and be yourself.' He orchestrates generosity and humor, but also faces pressure from extortion and personal loss. His decision to tear up the sign at the film's end marks a turning point in how the space is used.

Elsie is Dudley Bostwick's girlfriend, mentioned as someone Dudley hopes to call. She stands as a subset of the saloon's personal lives and offers a counterpart to the other relationships in the narrative.

Dudley is the anxious boyfriend who struggles to call his girlfriend, Elsie Mandelspiegel, and dreams of reuniting with her. His arc is a small but hopeful thread in the broader mosaic of Nick's patrons.