Jets and Sharks-A West Side Story

Tony Wyzek-Tony believes in the possibility of a better world and a peaceful future, often hoping things will work out. Unlike the aggressive members of his former gang, the Jets, Tony is not violent by nature and actively tries to avoid conflict and rise above the neighborhood hatred. Once he falls in love with Maria, he is completely consumed by it, letting his intense emotions and intuition guide his actions regardless of the dangerous consequences. Having spent time in prison for nearly beating another in a gang fight, Tony carries deep regret, which motivates him to stay on the "straight and narrow," work an honest job, and distance himself from gang warfare.

Maria Nunez-As a recent immigrant newly arrived from Puerto Rico, Maria is wide-eyed and eager to experience life in America. She possesses a childlike wonder about her new surroundings and dreams of a bright, joyful future. When she falls in love with Tony, her affection is absolute and devoted. She readily embraces her emotions fully and refuses to let arranged expectations—marrying Chino, dictate her decisions. She openly rebels against her brother Bernardo's overprotective control, possesses a sharp temper when provoked.

Bernardo Nunez- As the founder and leader of the Sharks, he commands respect with a bold, confident, and aggressive presence. He deeply loves his younger sister, Maria, and his girlfriend, Anita, but often overcompensates by policing their behavior and trying to shield them harshly from the harsh realities of New York City. Having faced hostility and discrimination since his arrival from Puerto Rico, he is deeply disillusioned with the American dream and feels forced to fight for dignity and territory. He has a driven and passionate air when it comes to the things he does.

Anita Josefina- Anita always speaks her mind with a sassy, sharp-tongued, and sarcastic edge. She owns her space and exudes vibrant energy, whether she is leading the iconic performance of "America" or holding her ground among the Sharks. As an immigrant working as a seamstress, she is resilient. She treats María like a younger sister, offering maternal guidance, a safe haven, and fierce protection. Her deep devotion extends unconditionally to her boyfriend, Bernardo.

Chino- He is originally introduced as a sweet-faced, reticent, and innocent young man who avoids the central gang violence. He respects cultural community values and is chosen by Bernardo as a respectable, stabilizing match for Maria.

Riff-Riff views the Jets as his true family and expects the same unyielding dedication from Tony. He is always in motion, he thinks and communicates through physical confidence, high energy, and athletic, movement. Riff is fundamentally immature and blind to how unforgiving the real world actually is. He derives his entire sense of self-worth and belonging from his status as the "king of the hill" in the neighborhood.

Doc-He is one of the few adults who genuinely cares about the well-being of the neighborhood members and tries to steer them away from harm. He feels exasperated as his advice and pleas for peace constantly fall on deaf ears among the stubborn gang members. Due to running his drugstore for decades, he possesses hard-won wisdom. He takes Tony under his wing, giving him a job and trying to warn him away from dangerous trouble and the forbidden romance with Maria.

Lieutenant Schrank-He is highly prejudiced against that Puerto Rican Sharks while also looking down on the white Jets as lower-class. He views the neighborhood with complete distrust and bitterness, expecting failure and violence from everyone. He is stubborn in his views and authoritarian methods, refusing to approach the neighborhood's social tensions with any empathy or fairness. He relies on threats, bullying, and raw police power to assert control rather than trying to resolve the underlying community conflicts.

Officer Krupke- Krupke takes his job in the NYPD very seriously, valuing law, order, and justice above all else. He rarely jokes, which makes him stand out. He is often out of his depth, despite trying to be stern. He lacks the street smarts or psychological insight needed to truly manage the escalating rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks. He constantly is overwhelmed by the chaos around him, making him a cop who would rather push papers in the back room than break up brawls. Because of his nature, he serves as the primary foil and target of mockery for the gang members, most famously ridiculed in the satirical song "Gee, Officer Krupke".

Appearance:

• Anton Wyzek-A young adult, around 18–20, Polish-American with a slender-athletic, lean and well-proportioned build, above average build. Features sandy-blond, thick, naturally swept back with a slightly tousled 1950s style hair, light blue/gray eyes, with a strong jaw, straight nose, defined cheekbones, symmetrical features and fair, lightly sun-kissed skin. Is exceptionally handsome, clean-cut, youthful but striking. Wear is typically a dark work jacket or leather-style jacket, white T-shirt, dark trousers. At the dance he wears a mustard-yellow / tan suit jacket, dark charcoal gray trousers, a white dress shirt with a dark, slim necktie.
• Maria Nunez- A young woman, Puerto Rican, has a slender, graceful, feminine**** build, with long, very dark brown/black hair, thick and softly waved, large, expressive dark-brown eyes, an oval face, delicate nose, defined brows, soft full lips, warm medium-brown/olive complexion and is beautiful, gentle-looking, expressive, with a naturally romantic presence wears feminine 1950s dresses, soft colors, modest necklines, understated jewelry. At the dance she wears a simple loose white dress, with a red sash around her waist symbolizing purity and innocence.
• Bernardo Nunez- A young adult, Puerto Rican, with an athletic, lean and muscular without being bulky body, has very dark brown/black, thick and carefully styled, swept back hair, with dark brown eyes. A strong masculine jaw, prominent cheekbones, straight nose, intense eyebrows, with warm olive/medium complexion, is handsome, striking, commanding presence; naturally serious expression, wears dark shirts, navy/black jackets, fitted trousers, polished 1950s streetwear, and he carries himself with confidence and authority as the Sharks' leader. Wearing a deep purple button-down shirt (acting as a visual counterpart to Anita’s lavender/purple dress), a slender, sleek black silk jacket with matching tight black tailored pants, to the dance.
• Anita Josefina-A young woman/young adult, Puerto Rican possessing a curvy, feminine, confident posture, with short dark brown/black hair, carefully styled into a glamorous 1950s shape — distinctly different from Maria's long hair. with dark brown, expressive eyes, has stronger, more mature features than Maria; defined cheekbones and brows. Along with a warm medium/olive complexion, and is very glamorous, lively, confident, and sophisticated, wears vibrant, figure-flattering 1950s dresses, bold floral prints, fitted silhouettes, gold hoop earrings, red lipstick. For the dance she wears a deep, square neckline with a closely fitted bodice that extended over the hips, flowing down into a full, flouncy swing skirt designed for high-energy mambo dancing, and hidden beneath the lavender skirt is a bright petticoat that provides a dramatic flash of contrasting color when she spins. She paired the dress with neutral tan dancing shoes, a gold chain crucifix necklace, and her hair half-pulled back with a carved shell clip.
• Riff**-**A young adult, American, with a slender-athletic, wiry, agile build. He has blondish/light brown, thick and slicked straight back hair, with light blue/gray eyes, a strong jaw, angular cheekbones, straight nose and fair skin. Usually seen with a wide cocky grin or knowing smirk. Is handsome, charismatic, rebellious, and holds restless energy. Usually wears light-colored jackets—cream, ivory, tan, yellow, or pale gray—over white T-shirts, with dark trousers. His light hair and clothing contrast strongly with Bernardo's dark-haired appearance. To the dance he wears a bright, bold yellow casual jacket with a shirt-style collar, full-length sleeves, and a simple front button closure, with a cool, muted slate-blue or grayish long-sleeve button-down shirt worn open at the collar without a tie. He is adorning muted, dark trousers paired with dark, flexible dance shoes.
• Chino- Young adult, Puerto Rican who is slender, lean, slightly softer-looking than Bernardo has dark brown/black, naturally wavy and neatly styled in a 1950s fashion hair, with dark brown eyes, has gentle features, soft jawline, and expressive eyes with warm olive/medium complexion, is handsome but approachable; sweet, thoughtful expression. At the dance he can be seen in a clean, formal dark charcoal/black suit paired with a crisp white dress shirt, a bright red tie, and dark dress shoes.
• Officer Krupke- Middle-aged American, with solid, broad-shouldered, build, dark brown, short and neatly combed hair, dark brown eyes, fair/light-medium skin, wearing a traditional 1950s NYPD-style dark navy uniform, peaked police cap, tie, brass buttons, badge, leather shoulder strap and duty equipment.

Gymnasium attending the dance.