"The Wonderful Pulitzer Prize Play … becomes one of the Great Motion Pictures of our Time!"
Harvey - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Elwood P. Dowd
James Stewart
Motivation
To be pleasant, to enjoy the moment, and to introduce his friend Harvey to others. He seeks connection over conflict.
Character Arc
Elwood remains static in his nature; he does not change, but rather changes the world around him. He acts as a catalyst, forcing other characters to confront their own cynicism and unhappiness.
Veta Louise Simmons
Josephine Hull
Motivation
Initially social status and marrying off her daughter; later, protecting her brother's happiness.
Character Arc
Starts as a frantic social climber ashamed of her brother. Through her traumatic experience at the sanitarium and the realization of what 'normalcy' would cost Elwood, she transitions to acceptance and ultimately protects Elwood's eccentricity.
Dr. William Chumley
Cecil Kellaway
Motivation
To maintain his professional reputation, which evolves into a desire for his own magical escape.
Character Arc
Begins as an arrogant authority figure of psychiatry. His encounter with Elwood and subsequent 'sighting' of Harvey shatters his worldview, reducing him to a frightened but intrigued man who longs for the escapism Harvey offers.