The Woman on Pier 13

Nan is Brad's new wife, drawn into a dangerous political conspiracy by her husband's hidden past. She is sharp, skeptical of Christine, and determined to uncover the truth, even at personal risk. As events spiral, Nan becomes a resourceful investigator who confronts the conspirators and fights to save herself and Brad. Her loyalty to Brad is tested and she must navigate fear, love, and danger.

Brad is a San Francisco shipping executive with a hidden past as a stevedore and the alias Frank Johnson. He becomes the target of a Communist cell that threatens to expose him and coerce him into sabotaging labor negotiations. His conflict between personal loyalty and political pressure drives the plot and he remains central to the danger until the end. He dies in Nan's arms after a final confrontation with the conspirators.

Christine is Brad's former flame who is used to influence Don and to manipulate Brad by exposing his past. She is bitter and ambitious, but struggles with the orders from the Communist cell to keep emotions in check. Her confidences are manipulated and she is killed when Vanning destroys her confession and throws her from a high rise.

Don is Nan's impressionable brother-in-law who falls under Christine's influence. He is drawn into the radical politics but remains a pawn in the larger scheme. His skepticism about Brad and Christine is tested as events unfold, and he is killed in a hit-and-run carried out by Bailey.

Jim is Nan's former boyfriend and a union leader who cannot understand Brad's recent behavior. He worries about the radical influence within the union and discusses Christine's possible involvement with Don. He represents a steady, cautious voice and is recognized by Brad as the right man for Nan.

Vanning is the Communist cell leader who orders Brad to sabotage labor talks and ultimately murders and uses manipulation to secure control. He embodies the menace of political extremism and uses fear to coerce his targets. He orders murder, interrupts crucial confessions, and dies in the final shootout.

Bailey is the hit man tasked with eliminating threats, including Lowry. He acts as the physical enforcer for the conspirators and is killed in the final shootout after carrying out the murder of Don Lowry.

Garth is a minor henchman of the conspirators who carries out orders on the waterfront. He appears in key moments to enforce the plans but remains a secondary threat within the wider plot.