Character guide

Judith Bliss

major

Also known as Judith, Judith Myra Arundel, Myra Arundel, Judith David, Judith Tyrell, Judith Airily, Judith Nonsense, Judith Sharply

Retired actress and matriarch of the Bliss family, whose dramatic personality drives the weekend chaos.

David Bliss

major

Also known as David, David Rising, David Do, David The Sinful Woman, David Reading, David Smug

Judith's husband, a novelist absorbed in his work and oblivious to the romantic tensions around him.

Sorel Bliss

major

Also known as Sorel, Sorel Richard Greatham, Sorel Mother, Sorel Furiously, Sorel Collapsing, Sorel Father, Sorel Ssshhh, Sorel Clara, Sorel Pained, Sorel Reading

The Bliss daughter, sharp and cynical, entangled with Richard Greatham and Sandy Tyrell.

Simon Bliss

major

Also known as Simon, Simon Crossly, Simon Rising, Simon Gently, Simon Severely, Simon Bitterly, Simon Myra Arundel, Simon Thank God, Simon Kissing Judith, Simon No, Simon Mother, Simon Hallo

The Bliss son, flirtatious and easily distracted, pursued by Myra and Clara.

Myra Arundel

major

Also known as Myra, Myra Charming, Myra Rising, Myra Dear Simon, Myra Generous boy, Myra Laughing, Myra Acidly, Myra Clara, Myra Sorel, Myra Wrong

A glamorous, manipulative guest who sets her sights on Simon and stirs up trouble.

Richard Greatham

supporting

Also known as Richard, Richard Who, Richard Rising, Richard Mrs. Arundel, Richard Alarmed, Mr. Greatham

A stiff, proper diplomat invited as Sorel's guest, who becomes increasingly bewildered.

Sandy Tyrell

supporting

Also known as Sandy, Sandy Shaking hands, Sandy Puzzled, Sandy Sorry, Sandy Startled, Sandy Hic, Sandy The Blisses, Sandy Surprised, Sandy Tyrell—everybody, Sandy Righto, Sandy Eagerly

A young, enthusiastic boxer invited by Judith, who falls for Sorel.

Jackie Coryton

supporting

Also known as Jackie, Jackie Judith Bliss, Jackie Desperately, Jackie Giggling, Jackie Dragging, Jackie Sniffing, Jackie Worried, Jackie Italy, Jackie Neither could I., Miss Coryton, Coryton

A young, impressionable guest invited by Simon, who becomes infatuated with David.

Clara

minor

Also known as Clara Surprised, Clara One, Clara ’ Allo, Clara—I

The Bliss family's maid, who observes the guests' antics with quiet bemusement.

Pam

minor

Also known as that little Pam

A young woman mentioned by the Blisses as a potential romantic interest for Simon.

Mr. Bliss

minor

Also known as Father

The elderly father of David Bliss, who appears briefly in the household.

Jane Sefton

minor

A friend mentioned in conversation, not seen on stage.

Amy

minor

A servant or acquaintance briefly referenced in the household.