Rufus T. Firefly
Firefly is a satirical example of the man unfit for office who nevertheless attains a position of power through the corruption of popularity. In Firefly’s case, he is popular with the one person most necessary to reach such an elevated state and thus finds himself appointed leader of the bankrupt country of Freedonia.
Mrs. Teasdale
Gloria Teasdale is a wealthy widow who has been essential in keeping the bankrupt Freedonia economically afloat. Infatuated with the charismatic con man Firefly, she has decided to cut off further financial support unless he is made leader.
Trentino
Trentino is the ambassador to Freedonia from the neighboring country of Sylvania. Trentino is intent on taking advantage of the economic and political instability brought on by the appointment of Firefly by fomenting an insurrection with the goal of annexing Freedonia into his own country. Part of his plan involves digging up dirt on Firefly, and to do so he engages the services of two spies. He is also intent on seducing Teasdale out of her wealth before Firefly can do the same.
Pinky
Pinky is one of the spies hired by Trentino. It is an odd choice, since Pinky never speaks.
Lt. Bob Roland
Roland is Firefly’s executive secretary who becomes suspicious of Trentino and advises Firefly to insult the ambassador as a means of getting him to leave. Instead, he slaps him publicly, an act which leads the two countries to the brink of war.
Chicolini
Chicolini is the other spy hired by Trentino and is the complete opposite of Pinky: he never stops talking. When he and Pinky attempt to break into Teasdale’s home to steal Freedonia’s war plans, he is caught, captured and put on trial. The trial is interrupted when the two nations actually go to war and both Chicolini and Pinky switch sides, joining Firefly in Freedonia’s defense.
