John Robie
John Robie aka “The Cat.” A retired thief who becomes the prime suspect of the French Police when multiple jewel robberies, mimicking his style occur on the Riviera. He was formerly in prison for his crimes, but escapes after a bomb blast frees him. He joins the French Resistance in WWII, and is granted a provisional pardon from the government for his duty. A man who desires a quiet life, but must now catch the actual thief in order to clear his name or risk going back to prison for crimes he didn’t commit.
Frances Stevens
Frances Stevens is an American who’s traveled to the French Riviera with her mother. They have an extraordinary amount of wealth after discovering oil on their land (20,000,000 barrels). She is strong minded, with a lead foot when it comes to driving. She struggles to believe John is no longer a thief, but after a series of events she opens her heart to him, and also helps him to clear his name.
Jessie Stevens
Jessie Stevens is Frances’ mother who’s made a fortune on oil in America. She’s a widow who lost her husband before they struck it rich with oil on their land. A bourbon-drinking, get to the point woman who has kept her feet on the ground, but at the same time loves what her wealth can afford her. She wants her daughter to marry, and when John Robie comes on the scene she does her best to help their attraction turn into something real.
H.H. Hughson
H.H. Hughson is an insurance man with Lloyd’s of London. He represents a company who would like the robberies to stop as they insure nearly all of the victims of the crimes, as well as most of the other potential targets of the cat burglar. Hughson creates an unofficial pact with Robie, supplying him with the names of his clients in order to stop the thief so Lloyd’s can stop paying out insurance claims.
Bertani
Bertani is a long time acquaintance of John Robie and owner of a seaside restaurant. He employs ex-convicts to help them get a leg up in life after the French Resistance in WWII. He aids Robie who comes to him for help after he’s been accused of the robberies. We later find out that he has been at the center of Robie’s troubles.
Danielle Foussard
Danielle Foussard is the daughter of Foussard. They are both employed by Bertani at his restaurant. Danielle is young and brash and ready to make her mark on Robie, and have a better life than she currently does. She becomes a major player in Robies journey to clear his name, and even confesses her love for him.