Character Analysis
(Avoiding Spoilers)
Grew up… with dreams of being a star. “You see,” Roxie says, “ever since I remember, I’ve wanted to be on the stage.” Even now, many years later, Roxie is prone to fantasizing about being a celebrity.
Living… in a much different, much drearier reality. 1920s Chicago can be a cruel town, and Roxie has had a life full of disappointments. Not only is she not famous, she’s not even getting much satisfaction from her chump of a husband, Amos. As Roxie complains, “In the Bed Department, Amos was… zero. I mean, he made love to me like he was fixing a carburetor or something.”
Profession… housewife with a double life. By day, Roxie cleans, cooks and washes– but by night, she frequents Chicago’s notorious jazz clubs with her lover, Fred Casely.
Interests… advancing her career as a jazz singer. A born star, Roxie's willing to do anything to get famous. As she dreams out loud: “I’m gonna be a celebrity, that means somebody everyone knows. They’re gonna recognize my eyes, my hair, my teeth, my boobs, my nose.”
Relationship Status… married, though Roxie’s devoted husband isn’t really doing much for her showbiz career. Rather than be a good wife to the loving Amos, Roxie has shacked up with the sleazy Fred Casely, who claims to have connections in the entertainment industry. Though when it comes out that Casely has been lying to Roxie about his glamorous friends, she takes it very, very personally.
Challenge… clearing her name and getting off death row. After murdering Fred Casely in cold blood, Roxie's looking at the harshest possible punishment: hanging. Luckily, she’s enlisted the help of hotshot lawyer Billy Flynn, whose influence is also helping make her a household name.
Personality… narcissistic, vain, and desperate. Roxie doesn’t care about the people who love her. The only thing that matters to her is becoming recognized (even if it’s for being a cold-blooded murderer). She’s wholly absorbed in being a celebrity, saying, "Ohh, I’m a star, and the audience loves me… and I love them. And they love me for loving them and I love them for loving me. And we love each other. And that’s because none of us got enough love in our childhood. And that’s showbiz… kid.”