Travels with My Aunt

A London bank manager who leads a conventional, orderly life. His encounter with Augusta pulls him into a whirlwind of deception, wealth, and unexpected family revelations. He evolves from cautious observer to a perceptive participant who pieces together the truth behind Augusta’s schemes.

A wealthy, witty, and ruthlessly practical woman who uses charm and money to manipulate those around her. She orchestrates the ransom plot and moves money through a network of lovers and accomplices, treating Henry as a pawn in her larger plan. Her insistence on control and travel showcases a zest for life that fuels her ruthlessness.

An African fortune teller and Augusta’s lover who participates in the scheme. He provides a worldly, shamanic counterpoint to Augusta’s urban cunning and accompanies the couple through parts of the journey. He shares in the improvisational, risk-taking spirit of the caper.

A mastermind behind the plot to separate Augusta from her money, presenting as a wounded figure whose true plans are carefully concealed. He manipulates situations to maximize profit and control, and his reveal about the arrangement of the money underscores the movie’s theme of deception.

Visconti’s son who greets Augusta with a bouquet and a macabre ear, symbolizing the moral steps in the deceit. He embodies the phase of the plot that blends ostentation with dark humor and serves as a catalyst for the escalating con.

A free-spirited American hippie who befriends Henry aboard the train. She embodies the era’s counterculture vibe, drawing Henry into a more relaxed, hedonistic mindset. Her carefree nature contrasts with the film’s more calculated schemes.

A gangster involved in the money’s movement and the broader criminal scheme. He represents the criminal underworld that mingles with high society’s glamour, and his actions drive the riskier elements of the plot.

A wealthy Frenchman whose death triggers extortion attempts and a chain of consequences. He is a pivotal figure whose demise complicates Augusta’s efforts to raise funds and heightens the tension around the money.

The widow of Dambreuse who becomes a target in the extortion plots. Her interactions with Augusta reflect the intertwining of social circles and the opportunistic manipulation of others for gain.

A supporting character who contributes to the social milieu of the story. Louise’s presence helps populate the world of high society and its associated secrets, adding texture to the unfolding caper.