"This is the love every woman lives for…the love every man would die for!"
Letter from an Unknown Woman - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Lisa Berndle
Joan Fontaine
Motivation
To be the 'one woman' Stefan would finally recognize and love, seeking validation for her lifelong devotion.
Character Arc
Evolves from a shy, invisible teenager to a poised, wealthy woman, yet internally remains frozen in her adolescent worship of Stefan.
Stefan Brand
Louis Jourdan
Motivation
To pursue fleeting pleasure and avoid the 'luxury' of honor or commitment.
Character Arc
Starts as a promising, charismatic pianist and decays into a cynical, weary pleasure-seeker. His arc is one of awakening to the depth of what he squandered only when it is lost.
Johann Stauffer
Marcel Journet
Motivation
To maintain honor and protect Lisa, even from herself, until her betrayal forces his hand.
Character Arc
Remains a stoic, rigid figure of stability who offers Lisa a life of dignity, which she ultimately rejects for her fantasy.
John (The Butler)
Art Smith
Motivation
Loyalty mixed with a silent acknowledgment of the truth.
Character Arc
He observes Stefan's revolving door of women with silent judgment but recognizes Lisa. He serves as the external memory that Stefan lacks.