Steel Magnolias

Character Breakdowns

 

Truvy Jones: female, age range 35-45 -  Truvy owns the hair salon that is the setting for the play. Her salon is the best one in town and is the Saturday morning gathering spot for her neighbors. She loves her family, listening to other people’s stories, and using hair and makeup as a form of both advertising and self-expression.

 

Annelle Dupuy-Desoto: female, age range 18-25 - Annelle, a recent cosmetology graduate with a secret, is new in town and works for Truvy. Annelle begins the show as a shy and creative young woman and really grows into herself over the course of the show. 

 

Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie: female, age range 20-25 - Shelby is the daughter of M’Lynn and Drum Eatenton. She is about to get married to Jackson Latcherie at the beginning of the play. She is the prettiest girl in town, an idealist, and a pediatric nurse. She wants to have children, however she is diabetic, and her biggest conflict is trying to live the life she desires in spite of her medical condition. 

 

Ouiser Boudreaux: female, age range 65-75 -  Ousier is an older woman who has been married twice and is currently on her own with her dog and her garden, which is just the way she likes it. She has an ongoing feud with M’Lynn’s husband and Shelby’s father Drum. She is prickly and acerbic but has a kind heart and is very protective of her friends. She and Clairee are best friends.

 

M’Lynn Eatenton: female, age range 40-50 -  M’Lynn is a married mother of three, including Shelby. She is the administrator of the Mental Guidance Center. She is fiercely protective of the people she loves, especially of Shelby. 

 

Clairee Belcher: female, age range 65-75 - Clairee is the widow of the mayor and the owner of the local radio station. She is best friends with Ousier. She appears very dignified, and has a quick wit, a playful attitude and a sense of adventure, but she doesn’t always think before she speaks. She is also a bit of a gossip.

 

The DJ: adult male - The DJ for radio station KKPD. It is voice only. This part will be pre-recorded.