The Vortex · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Vortex by Noël Coward.
Nicky Lancaster
major
Also known as Nicky, Nicky No, Nicky Smiling, Nicky Frowning, Nicky Gently, Nicky Ca, Nicky Poor Nicky, Nicky Quietly, Nicky Darling, Nicky Mother, Nicky Father, Nicky That, Nicky Rising, Nicky Nonsense, Nicky Politely, Nicky Who—Bunty, Nicky Helen, Nicky—Nicky
Protagonist and focal character, a young man struggling with family and personal turmoil.
Florence Lancaster
major
Also known as Florence, Florence Nicky, Florence Remember, Florence Taking both, Florence Really, Florence Bursting, Florence Tom, Florence Who with, Florence Confession, Florence Helen, Florence Treacherous little beast, Florence David, Florence Dully, Florence Wildly, Florence Pawnie, Florence Sinking, Florence Lancaster, Flo Lancaster, Florence Nora Dean, Florence Darling
Nicky's mother, a socialite whose past choices drive the central conflict.
Helen Saville
major
Also known as Helen, Helen Florence, Helen Smiling, Helen Present, Helen Well, Helen Splendid, Helen Tom Veryan, Helen Lightly, Helen Poor Nicky, Helen Fascinating, Helen—you've
Nicky's fiancée, caught between loyalty and disillusionment.
Tom Veryan
supporting
Also known as Tom, Tom Florence, Tom Nobody, Tom Veryan, Tom Shaking hands, Tom Good Lord, Tom Flummoxed, Bunty Tom Veryan?
Florence's lover, a charming but shallow man.
Bunty Mainwaring
supporting
Also known as Bunty, Bunty Tom Veryan?, Bunty Rather, Bunty Smiling, Bunty Calculating pig, Bunty Laughing, Bunty Lightly, Bunty Thanks, Bunty Mainwaring, Bunty Dragging Bruce, Bunty Mainwaring?
A gossipy friend of the family, often stirring drama.
Pawnie
supporting
Also known as Pawnie, Pawnie Dear Helen, Pawnie Poor Clara—she, Pawnie Giggling, Pawnie Florence, Pawnie Gregory, Pawnie—
A witty, observant friend who comments on the social scene.
David Lancaster
supporting
Also known as David, Florence David, David It, David Worth, David Hallo, David Good, Enter David Lancaster
Nicky's father, a quiet man overshadowed by his wife.
Clara Hibbert
minor
Also known as Clara, Clara One Gabriel Faure, Clara Bruce Fairlight, Clara Weakly, Clara Hibbert, Enter Clara Hibbert, Miss Hibbert
A young woman with artistic pretensions, friend of the family.
Bruce Fairlight
minor
Also known as Bruce, Bruce Fairlight, Bunty Dragging Bruce
A young man briefly involved with Clara.
Preston
minor
Also known as Preston, Enter Preston, Preston Announcing
The Lancasters' butler, who announces guests.
Gregory
minor
Also known as Gregory, Pawnie Gregory
A friend of Pawnie, part of the social circle.
Inez Zulieta
minor
Also known as Inez Zulieta, Inez
A dancer mentioned in conversation, not seen on stage.
Mrs. Lancaster
minor
Also known as Mrs. Lancaster
Florence's mother-in-law, mentioned but not appearing.
Selwyn Steele
minor
Also known as Marvelous Selwyn Steele, Selwyn Steele
A performer referenced by characters.
Nora Dean
minor
Also known as Nora Dean, Florence Nora Dean
A friend of Florence, mentioned in passing.
John Bagot
minor
Also known as John Bagot
A character referenced but not appearing on stage.
Elsa Saunders
minor
Also known as Elsa, Elsie Saunders
A minor acquaintance mentioned in dialogue.
