A young actor who works in the “stock company” of a theatre in Pittsburgh, Charley Edwards has developed a liking for Paul, who loiters around his dressing-room, watching him get ready for the shows. Edwards is one of the male figures in the story whom, it’s implied, Paul may have stronger feelings for than mere friendship. It is also strongly implied that Edwards himself is gay. Charley helps usher Paul into the world of theatre and art by inviting him to performances and rehearsals.