Character List
John “Scottie” Ferguson -
Played by James Stewart
The protagonist of
the film. Scottie is a former detective who quits his job when he
develops severe acrophobia, or fear of heights. He is a romantic
who rejects reality in favor of illusion. His obsession with the
ideal woman fuels much of the action of the film.
Madeleine Elster -
Played
by Kim Novak
The female lead of the film. “Madeleine”
is actually a role played by Judy, who is impersonating Gavin Elster's
wife. Romantic and ethereal, “Madeleine” is supposedly haunted by
long-dead relative Carlotta Valdes and seems bent on committing
suicide against her own will. Madeleine becomes Scottie's love interest
and represents the ideal woman to him.
Judy Barton -
Played
by Kim Novak
The true identity of the woman who
impersonated Madeleine in the first half of the film. Judy played
the role of Madeleine at the behest of her one-time lover, Gavin
Elster. She is malleable, lonely, and a bit hard. She is willing
to surrender her own identity so that Scottie will love her.
Midge Wood -
Played
by Barbara Bel Geddes
Scottie's friend
and ex-fiancée. Pretty and very capable, Midge is an artist who makes
her living designing women's undergarments. She is a mother figure
who is still in love with Scottie and represents everyday reality.
Gavin Elster -
Played
by Tom Helmore
The film's anti-hero. Gavin
is an old college acquaintance of Scottie who has married into a
wealthy shipbuilding family. He is calculating and manipulative,
exploiting Scottie's weakness to achieve his own goals.
Coroner -
Played
by Henry Jones
The voice of Scottie's conscience,
who berates Scottie for allowing his fear of heights to prevent
him from saving Madeleine's life. The coroner's manner is clinical
and unsympathetic.
Pop Leibel -
Played
by Konstantin Shayne
Bookstore owner and
San Francisco historian. Pop represents the “old” San Francisco
inhabited by Carlotta Valdes.
Doctor -
Played
by Raymond Bailey
Psychiatrist in the sanatorium
where Scottie recovers from Madeleine's death. The doctor is the
voice of reason who attempts to make sense of Scottie's descent
into madness.
