Who Are The Main Characters In Plaza Suite?

Plaza Suite is one of those classic plays that feels like a cozy, familiar blanket—witty, heartfelt, and packed with characters who stick with you long after the Curtain falls. Written by Neil Simon, it’s actually a trio of one-act plays set in the same Suite 719 at the Plaza Hotel, each with its own set of main characters. The first act, 'Visitor from Mamaroneck,' centers around Karen and Sam Nash, a middle-aged couple whose marriage is unraveling during what’s supposed to be a romantic anniversary getaway. Karen’s clinging to nostalgia, while Sam’s practically checked out, and their dynamic is equal parts tragic and darkly funny.

Act two, 'Visitor from Hollywood,' shifts gears with Jesse Kiplinger, a hotshot Hollywood producer, and Muriel Tate, his old flame from Tenafly, New Jersey. Jesse’s all slick charm and faded glory, trying to rekindle something with Muriel, who’s now a suburban housewife with a mix of curiosity and regret. Their banter is sharp, full of Simon’s signature zingers, and you can practically feel the tension between what was and what could’ve been.

The final act, 'Visitor from Forest Hills,' is pure chaos in the best way. It follows Roy and Norma Hubley, parents of a bride who’s locked herself in the bathroom on her wedding day, refusing to come out. Roy’s a blustering mess of panic, while Norma’s trying to keep things together with a mix of desperation and passive-aggressive jabs. Their daughter, Mimsey, never appears onstage, but her absence drives the whole hilarious, frantic energy of the scene. Each set of characters brings something unique to the suite, making Plaza Suite a masterclass in blending comedy and human frailty. I love how Simon makes you laugh while quietly breaking your heart—it’s why I keep coming back to this play.