Vapors

Thomas is a young man who frequents the baths and projects confidence about his experience while masking insecurity. He seeks connection in a crowded, anonymous space but remains wary as conversations drift into unsettling territory. His interactions with Mr. Jaffee reveal a tension between curiosity and vulnerability, culminating in a moment of unsettling invitation that leaves him unsettled.

Mr. Jaffee is a middle-aged man who attends the baths to escape a troubled home life and cope with his son's death. He delivers a disturbing monologue about his family and his own dissatisfaction, creating an unnerving aura around his presence. His flirting and storytelling reveal a man who can weaponize vulnerability in a space designed for anonymity.

Mavis is one of the two flamboyant figures that move through the bathhouse with theatrical confidence. She engages in conversations and gossip, often demeaning others in the space, and contributes to a charged, performative atmosphere. Her presence highlights the performative aspects of identity within a closed, social setting.

Miss Parrish is the other flamboyant participant, pairing with Mavis to generate a party-like energy. She pushes social boundaries and amplifies the bathhouse’s festive yet uneasy vibe, showcasing how performance can mask underlying tensions. Her interactions help frame the venue as both alluring and predatory.

Thumbelina is part of a couple with Thumbelina and Taffy, illustrating the bathhouse's variety of attendees. She contributes to the atmosphere of nightlife and social play, underscoring themes of companionship and performative intimacy. Her presence helps portray the crowd as diverse and multifaceted.

Taffy is the other member of the couple with Thumbelina, adding a playful and flamboyant dimension to the scene. His interactions emphasize camaraderie and the social dynamics of the bathhouse. He participates in the room’s energy, contributing to the mixture of affection and bravado.

The intruder moves through the margins of the scene, representing an outside threat to the intimate space. This figure adds a sense of unease and unpredictability to the proceedings, reminding characters and viewers that danger can surface in private spaces. The presence heightens tension within the crowded setting.

The Clerk handles check-in and financial matters, acting as the gatekeeper of the baths’ orderly operation. He enforces the venue’s rules and monitors deposits, highlighting the transactional, controlled side of the space. His role emphasizes the contrast between surface hospitality and underlying tension.

The Attendant assists in the bath and room setup, embodying the service staff who maintain the environment. He observes the dynamics unfolding around him, offering a steady, neutral presence amid fluctuating moods. His position underscores the bathhouse as a structured, inhabited space.