A cast of characters
Meaning
A group of distinct and often eccentric individuals associated with a particular place, event, or situation.
Origin
The term "cast" has been used in theatre since at least the 17th century to refer to the group of actors assigned to specific roles in a play. A "character" is, of course, a role played by an actor. The phrase "a cast of characters" thus evokes the image of a play where each person in a group or situation is so distinctive and often quirky that they could be an actor embodying a unique role on a stage. It paints a vivid picture of individuals, each with their own peculiar traits and mannerisms, as if assembled for a dramatic production, even when they are simply part of everyday life. This vivid imagery firmly established the phrase in the 20th century, bringing the dramatic sense of a theatre production into everyday language.
Examples
- The old diner on the corner always had a cast of characters hanging out, sharing stories and sipping coffee.
- When I visited my grandmother's retirement home, I was introduced to a truly unforgettable cast of characters.