When last seen, our poor heroine…
The melodrama Caught in the Villain’s Web includes adult parts for four men and six women in a range of ages. All ten characters are described below, along with a number in parentheses giving an approximate number of lines for each role. Ages and physical descriptions, where noted, are approximate.
Felicity Fair (152)
Our persecuted heroine, who is more sinned against than sinning. She is in her middle 20’s, and, according to the script, suffering and sorrow have left their mark on her beautiful face. So radiant are her charms, however, that nothing can spoil the loveliness that shines from within.
Malvern Larkfield (247)
Our manly-bosomed hero, who raises stinkweeds in the hope of growing a medicinal herb. Here is a hero who would set any girl’s heart aflame. Tall, robust, as handsome and gallant as a knight of old. He has a poetic nature; his every action proclaims the tender sentiments that dwell within his heart. In his middle 20’s and clean-shaven.
Mrs. Regina Larkfield (204)
Malvern’s hard-hearted mother, who is determined that Malvern shall marry shallow and artifical Nella. In her middle 50’s, she is an imperious and domineering woman who will resort to anything to get her own way.
Lona Larkfield (68)
Malvern’s young sister, who has a heart of gold. She is a pretty girl of 19 or so who appears to be even younger than she really is.
Brockton (151)
An ex-criminal now employed as the Larkfield’s butler. Described in the text as in his middle 50’s, of medium height with white hair and long sideburns. More important than his age and size is his personality. He has an impassive manner and is meek and servile.
Denise (40)
A French maid in her early 20’s, a pretty and vivacious girl who speaks with a French accent.
Cyril Bothingwell (158)
An unscrupulous villain who is steeped in infamy and who will stop at nothing to gain his foul ends. Described as a tall, powerfully built rogue in his early 30’s, steeped in the ways of treachery and deceit. Could easily be older. Suave and debonair, he gives the impression of being a man of the world. In reality he is shrewd, cunning and crafty, a ruthless villain who does not know the meaning of fair play.
Nella Hargrave (71)
Who insists that she has fallen in love with Malvern but in reality plans to double-cross him after she is married by getting his money and spending it on herself. She about 30 years of age, but strives mightily to look younger than she really is. Like Regina, she is shallow and affected and uses a broad “A” at all times. She presents a stunning appearance.
Mrs. Geraldine Hargrave (25)
Nella’s mother, who enjoys bad health. Described as a woman of 50 who is always complaining about how she feels.
Dr. Hugo Belch (44)
Regina’s physician. He is described in the text as a short, thin man of sixty, but his age and size are not important. He is of a fussy temperament, easily upset, the type of man who is putty in the hands of a woman like Regina.