Cat on a Hot Tin Roof characters

Also known as Maggie

Appears from the start

Brick's wife, determined to preserve their marriage and their place in his wealthy family. She is frank about desire, frustrated by Brick's withdrawal from her, and acutely aware that their childlessness leaves them vulnerable in the struggle over Big Daddy's estate.

Appears from the start

Maggie's husband and Big Daddy's favored younger son, a former athlete and sports announcer. He has broken an ankle during a drunken attempt to run hurdles and now drinks while waiting for a feeling of inner quiet. The death of his closest friend, Skipper, has deepened his detachment from Maggie and his disgust with himself.

Appears from the start

Brick's older brother, a corporate lawyer and conventionally responsible family man. He and Mae have five children and present themselves as the practical heirs to the plantation, contrasting their household with Brick's drinking and childless marriage.

Also known as Sister Woman

Appears from the start

Gooper's wife, a former beauty queen and the mother of their five children. She openly promotes her family's claim to Big Daddy's wealth and needles Maggie about having no children, turning the birthday gathering into a contest over inheritance and approval.

Also known as Big Mama

Appears from the start

Big Daddy's wife and the mother of Gooper and Brick. Loud, emotional, and devoted to a husband who often treats her with contempt, she believes the family has received good news about his health and wants the birthday celebration to confirm their security.

First appears in chapter 2

The wealthy Mississippi plantation owner whose sixty-fifth birthday brings the family together. Blunt, domineering, and newly relieved by what he has been told about his medical tests, he values Brick above Gooper and dislikes the false manners and concealed motives surrounding him.

Appears from the start

Brick's late friend and former football teammate, discussed as the central figure in Brick's emotional collapse. The two men built their adult lives around an idealized loyalty to each other, and Skipper's death has left Brick unwilling to accept the explanations offered by either Maggie or his family.

First appears in chapter 2

The Pollitt family's physician. He has participated in giving Big Daddy a reassuring account of his examination while the family prepares to manage the actual diagnosis and its consequences.

Appears from the start

A clergyman attending Big Daddy's birthday gathering. His polite presence and interest in a church memorial place him among the visitors circling the wealthy family while its private conflict intensifies.