Jack Lucas
Jack is a radio show host who undergoes a major transformation over the course of the film. Initially, he is a shock jock, who goes out of his way to be offensive and is arrogant in the extreme. He has no empathy at all for anyone and because he is successful in his career he has very little time or patience for the "little people" whom he perceives to be less successful. This attitude is part of what leads him to give such flip advice to the unstable "Edwin."
After Edwin's tragic act, Jack becomes exceedingly depressive and despondent. He turns to drinking, and becomes involved in a relationship of convenience. With Parry and Anne's help, Jack begins to change, pick himself up, and become a more thoughtful and compassionate person. Parry teaches the cynical Jack to find his inner sense of whimsy, and to stop running from his problems.
Parry a.k.a. Henry Sagan
Henry Sagan was an intelligent man with a wife, a nice apartment and a good job as a professor of medieval studies. After his wife was murdered in the shooting at Babbitt's, Henry mentally disappears and hides in the identity of Parry, a knight on a sacred mission to reclaim the Holy Grail. His quest for the Grail becomes a metaphor for his search for something that will return him to the man he used to be. Henry loved his wife deeply, and his infatuation with Lydia proves he is still capable of this love and therefore still able to access what is left of Henry. He suffers from debilitating hallucinations that make him antisocial and delusional. Parry is playful, fanciful, compassionate, kind, and lives in the moment. While he is not entirely mentally stable, he has an inner joy and sparkle that many people do not, and he is able to help Jack as much as Jack helps him.
Anne
Anne is a strong-willed and pragmatic woman. She is not someone who is interested in putting up with any kind of nonsense, particularly if it means she will get hurt. She is accomplished and independent enough to have built a successful business, and her practical can-do attitude makes her a pillar of strength for the depressive Jack. She loves Jack, but does not want to be with him if he doesn't treat her well. Forgiving and gracious, she takes Jack back when he finally admits that he loves her.
Lydia
Lydia is the object of Parry's affections, a mousy and clumsy woman who works in publishing. Lydia has no self-confidence and so is actually a perfect partner for Parry, who wants nothing more than to shower her with affection and compliments. She seems sharp and streetwise, but comically uncoordinated, often walking into people, spilling food, and failing to do basic tasks. She is an avid reader of romance novels.
The Cabaret Singer
The homeless cabaret singer is a flamboyant bum with a love for the musical Gypsy who mourns the end of the American debutante. He is sweet but sad, having lost many of his friends to AIDS. Jack employs his talents as a singer, sending him to Lydia's office in drag as a singing telegram.
Lou, Jack's Agent
Lou is Jack's agent, a smooth talker who wants Jack to feel taken care of.
