The Hustler characters

Also known as Fast Eddie

Appears from the start

A gifted young straight-pool hustler from California who travels with Charlie Burns and dreams of proving himself against Minnesota Fats. Eddie can read a table and disguise his ability, but pride and impatience repeatedly interfere with his judgment. He sees beating the country's most respected player as the test that will establish who he is.

Appears from the start

Eddie's traveling partner, who helps arrange their hustles and shares in the winnings. More cautious than Eddie, Charlie treats their partnership as a practical livelihood and worries about Eddie risking everything on a personal challenge.

Also known as Minnesota Fats

First appears in chapter 2

A celebrated Chicago pool player whose controlled manner and stamina match his technical mastery. Eddie has built him into the standard against which his own talent must be measured. Fats accepts the young hustler's challenge without surrendering his composure.

First appears in chapter 5

An influential gambler who watches high-level pool with a professional eye. Bert quickly recognizes Eddie's ability but regards talent without discipline as inadequate. His money and connections make him a possible route into larger games, though his terms place control firmly in his own hands.

First appears in chapter 8

A lonely, heavy-drinking woman Eddie meets after his first great defeat. She lives on limited money, walks with a limp, and describes herself as a student, though her life has little structure. Intelligent and perceptive, Sarah understands Eddie's damaged pride while carrying deep wounds of her own.

First appears in chapter 16

A wealthy Kentucky sportsman whom Bert identifies as a profitable opponent. Findley is accustomed to gambling on his own ground and proposes a cue game that tests Eddie outside his usual specialty.