Characters

The main characters of Ray Bradbury’s short story “Marionettes, Inc.” are Braling and Smith. Braling Two, Mrs. Braling, and Nettie are secondary characters.

Braling wants to escape the pressure of his marriage and secretly buys a marionette to replace him in front of his wife. Even if at first he declares it to be an ethical act, at the end of the story, Braling appears to recognise his unethical deeds.

Smith, Braling's friend, also has a conflicting relationship with his wife and, inspired by Bradley's act, he intends to but a marionette without his wife's knowledge. However, once he realises that his wife secretly bought a marionette herself, Smith becomes disillusioned and feels lonely.

You can find their full characterisations in the next pages.