Working Girls (1987) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place in New York City, primarily contrasting Staten Island with Lower Manhattan. Staten Island represents Tess's working-class origins, while Lower Manhattan serves as the bustling financial district where her corporate ambitions unfold.

• new york city
• staten island
• lower manhattan
• setting
• setting locations

The story is set in 1980s New York, a period marked by corporate greed and changing gender roles. This era saw women beginning to challenge traditional workplace barriers and assert themselves more prominently in business.

• 1980s
• era
• time period
• 1980s new york
• contemporary setting

The film explores three interconnected themes: ambition as Tess strives to rise above her working-class background in a male-dominated corporate world; betrayal through both professional theft of her ideas and personal infidelity; and the complexity of relationships that force her to reassess her worth in both career and romance.

• themes
• ambition
• betrayal
• relationships
• meaning

Tess McGill is a resilient and ambitious working-class woman determined to escape the limitations imposed by her gender and socio-economic status. She is intelligent, resourceful, and willing to take risks to achieve her corporate career goals, demonstrating strong self-advocacy despite systemic challenges.

• tess mcgill
• protagonist
• main character
• heroine

Katharine Parker is an ambitious associate who initially mentors Tess but ultimately betrayals her by stealing her ideas. She represents the cutthroat nature of corporate climbing, revealing a lack of ethical standards and camaraderie in competitive business environments.

• katharine parker
• antagonist
• mentor
• betrayal

Jack Trainer is a charming mergers and acquisitions associate who becomes romantically involved with Tess. His character creates tension as he is caught between his professional ethics and his personal feelings for Tess, especially when she considers revealing the truth about her idea's origins.

• jack trainer
• love interest
• romantic subplot
• mergers acquisitions

Cyn is Tess's supportive friend who plays a crucial role in her transformation. She encourages Tess to embrace confidence and elevate her appearance, helping her step into a more assertive version of herself in the corporate world. Cyn represents the importance of friendship and solidarity during personal challenges.

• cyn
• best friend
• supporting character
• friendship

Ambition drives Tess throughout the film as she navigates a male-dominated corporate landscape. Her determination to rise above her station and attain an executive position illustrates her relentless pursuit of success, challenging societal norms and showcasing the struggle one faces in pursuing their dreams.

• ambition
• career
• success
• corporate ladder
• determination

Betrayal appears through both professional and personal dimensions: Katharine attempts to steal Tess's ideas, highlighting treachery in competitive workplaces, while Tess's boyfriend's infidelity adds a personal wound. These betrayals ultimately fortify Tess's resolve to redefine her circumstances and prove her worth.

• betrayal
• infidelity
• professional theft
• trust

The film portrays relationships ranging from professional to personal, each carrying significant complexity. Tess's interactions with her boyfriend and Katharine reveal themes of trust and support, which ultimately lead her to reassess her value and self-worth in both corporate and romantic spheres.

• relationships
• trust
• romance
• professional relationships
• personal relationships

Tess comes from a working-class background in Staten Island, one of New York City's five boroughs known for its suburban character. This origin contrasts sharply with the high-powered corporate culture of Lower Manhattan where she pursues her career ambitions.

• working class
• staten island
• background
• origins
• class struggle

The 1980s New York setting reflects the era's corporate greed and the burgeoning focus on gender roles in the workplace. This context provides the backdrop for Tess's struggle against traditional gender barriers, as women began asserting themselves more prominently in business during this period.

• 1980s new york
• corporate culture
• gender roles
• historical context