Hay Fever characters

Appears from the start

A celebrated actress who has recently retired to the Bliss family's country house. She treats ordinary domestic moments as occasions for performance and has invited the young admirer Sandy Tyrell for the weekend without consulting the rest of the household.

Appears from the start

Judith's husband, a novelist preoccupied with completing his latest book. He has independently invited the inexperienced Jackie Coryton to stay, contributing to the crowded and poorly coordinated weekend.

Appears from the start

The Blisses' adult daughter, who worries that her family's theatrical habits make them impossible. Her own secret invitation to the diplomat Richard Greatham shows that she shares more of the family temperament than she admits.

Appears from the start

The Blisses' adult son, an aspiring artist as impulsive as the rest of his family. He has asked the poised Myra Arundel to the house for the weekend and reacts jealously when other people engage her attention.

Appears from the start

A former dresser to Judith who now serves as the family's housekeeper. Familiar with the Blisses' disorder and dramatic habits, she handles their guests with little concern for conventional country-house service.

Appears from the start

A keen young admirer of Judith's stage career whom she has invited for the weekend. He arrives expecting privileged attention from the actress and instead enters a household in which plans and affections change without warning.

Appears from the start

A stylish and socially assured guest invited by Simon. Her familiarity with several members of the household makes her a focus of attraction and suspicion during the weekend.

Appears from the start

A reserved diplomat invited by Sorel, who hopes his maturity will distinguish him from her family's usual circle. His composure is tested by the Blisses' games and rapidly shifting emotional scenes.

Appears from the start

A shy young woman invited by David, who intends to study her manner for a character in his novel. Unprepared for the Blisses' intensity, she is frequently left uncertain about what the family expects of her.