Three Coins in the Fountain

A young American secretary who arrives in Rome to replace Anita at the U.S. Distribution Agency. She is relentless and clever, using knowledge of Dino’s interests to win his attention while managing the agency’s expectations. Her willingness to bend the truth for romance creates a cascade of complications that drive the plot.

Longtime secretary to Shadwell and the object of his lengthy courtship. She values mutual respect and companionship, and agrees to a marriage of convenience when faced with the prospect of remaining in Rome. Her loyalty and emotional honesty contrast with Maria’s scheming, providing emotional gravity to the story.

A charming and notorious womanizer whose romantic exploits enchant Maria and threaten her plans. He is suave and confident, but his reputation and expectations of discretion complicate his relationships. His mother’s approval signals social legitimacy, yet his choices reveal a volatile, self-assured vanity.

A translator from a poor background who dreams of becoming a lawyer. He shares a volatile chemistry with Anita and grapples with social and financial obstacles. His firing after rumors underscores the precarious balance of love, ambition, and class in Rome.

A secretary who has a close, clandestine bond with Giorgio and dreams of a better life in the United States. She resists marrying Giorgio due to his poverty, highlighting the material realities that shape romance. Her choices reflect pragmatism in a social world that prizes security and status.

An American author living in Rome who is revealed to be terminally ill. He wields reverse psychology to influence others and eventually accepts marriage to Frances, while guiding the romantic outcomes around him. His illness creates urgency and emotional complexity within the central relationships.

A poised and influential aristocrat whose approval can shape romantic prospects. She embodies the old-world social codes and exerts subtle influence over the romantic liaisons surrounding her son Dino. Her presence anchors the social rhythm of the elite circles depicted in the film.

The American agency boss who is quick to suspect infidelity and enforce discipline. His actions trigger consequences for Giorgio and illuminate the power dynamics between employers and employees. He represents the institutional pressures that complicate personal relationships.

A secondary figure in the agency’s social orbit, she reflects the professional and social expectations of the era. Her presence reinforces the formalities and proprieties that govern the characters’ interactions. She contributes to the social backdrop against which romance unfolds.

A member of the aristocratic circle tied to the Principessa’s social world. She appears in the outer layers of Rome’s upper-class society, illustrating the network of influence that colors the characters’ choices. Her cameo underscores the film’s emphasis on status and pedigree.

The Principessa’s loyal servant who attends to the household in Rome. He helps sustain the villa’s daily life and witnesses the social rituals that frame the story’s events. His presence adds texture to the aristocratic setting.