A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

​

Eddie (he/him, 30’s/40s) A hard working Italian-American, Eddie has spent his life laboring on the notorious docks of Red Hook. While his work as a longshoreman has hardened him, he tries to keep a tender heart. He takes in his wife’s orphaned niece Catherine, raising her as if she were his own. But as Catherine approaches the age of marriage, Eddie faces a profound self-revelation that threatens to undo everything he stands for.

​

Beatrice (she/her 30’s/40s) A resilient Italian-American woman, Beatrice bears the burdens of her family with grace. Married to a longshoreman, she has cultivated a blend of steely resolve and keen wit, yet retains a deep emotional well. Compassionate and understanding, she refuses to be overlooked or sidelined.

Catherine (she/her, late-teens/20s): A young adult on the verge of leaving home and striking out on her own. She is infinitely curious about the world around her and the people who inhabit that world. Fearless and full of hope.

Marco (He/Him 20s/30s) Beatrice’s cousin, who has immigrated from Italy to Brooklyn. Marco was born with the strength of three men, but his only care in the world is his wife and three children. It is for them that he made the treacherous journey across the sea. He will do anything to support his family. Italian accent needed but a dialect coach for Italian will be available during the production.

Rodolpho (he/him, late teens/20s): Beatrice’s cousin, who has immigrated from Italy to Brooklyn. In the face of the drudge and back-breaking labor of Red Hook, Rodolpho chooses to sing. He has a lust for life and a strong desire to make lemonade out of the lemons life has given him. Italian accent needed but a dialect coach for Italian will be available during the production.

Alfieri (he/him 50s-60s): A local lawyer working in the community on family disputes, divorces, business-related issues and legal advice to immigrants. Once an immigrant himself, he understands these people. He is a man of reason, a pillar of justice in a system he knows has flaws. He gets caught up in Eddie’s dilemma. He desperately tries to steer Eddie away from the impending disaster.

Louis/First Immigration Officer (he/him, 30-50). As Louis: An old-timer longshoreman who is down on his luck and hates seeing the influx of new immigrants who are taking jobs. As First Immigration Officer (Charley): The officer in charge. Harsh, efficient.

Mike/Tony/Second Immigration Officer (he/him, 30-50): As Mike: A longshoreman who works with Eddie. Suspicious of the immigrants he works with on the docks. Pokes fun at Rodolpho. As Tony: An opportunistic labor broker who makes his living by brokering employment for illegal immigrants. Shady, nefarious, mean. As Second Immigration Officer (Dominick): Second in command.