The Locket

A charming yet dangerous figure, Nancy is a kleptomaniac, inveterate liar, and murderer whose polished demeanor hides a compulsive need to steal and deceive. Her ability to manipulate those around her drives the crisis and keeps others blind to her true nature. Her past crimes catch up with her at the wedding, culminating in a mental breakdown and commitment to a psychiatric institution.

An artist who becomes Nancy's husband, he is drawn into her deceit and seeks to understand the truth behind her pattern of crimes. He confronts the revelations with a mix of belief, doubt, and growing disillusion, and his fate is sealed by Nancy's manipulation. His mounting distress leads to a break with reality and eventual institutionalization.

A wealthy groom-to-be and Nancy's fiancé, he embodies the social ideal of the era's upper crust. He presses forward with the wedding despite the troubling disclosures, illustrating the pressure to maintain appearances. His involvement highlights the clash between social obligation and truth.

A psychiatrist who narrates the tale through nested flashbacks, Blair questions Nancy's supposed truth and weighs the evidence of her crimes. He initially doubts the darker possibilities but becomes a steady, cautious voice guiding the unfolding investigation. He ultimately counsels Willis and his mother to show mercy while confronting the truth.

A member of the noble class who appears within the wedding circle, representing the refined, traditional world that anchors the social setting. He contributes to the ceremony's gravity and the public nature of the affair. His presence underscores the class-conscious atmosphere surrounding Nancy's actions.