- Hamilton features historical figures including Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Eliza Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and King George III.
- The characters represent Hamilton’s family, friends, political rivals, and fellow revolutionaries, with his evolving relationship with Burr driving much of the musical’s story.
- Several actors traditionally play dual roles, including Lafayette and Jefferson, Mulligan and Madison, Laurens and Philip Hamilton, and Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton brings some of the best-known figures in American history to the stage, alongside the family members, friends, and rivals who shaped Alexander Hamilton’s life.
Trying to keep track of who’s who? Here’s a guide to the main Hamilton characters, their place in the story, and the relationships that connect them.
Who are the main characters in Hamilton?
The main characters in Hamilton include Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Eliza Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Marquis de Lafayette, Hercules Mulligan, James Madison, John Laurens, Philip Hamilton, Peggy Schuyler, Maria Reynolds, and King George III.
Most are based on real historical figures, although the musical adapts and condenses parts of their lives for the stage.
Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton is the musical’s central character. Born in the Caribbean, he arrives in New York as an ambitious young immigrant and becomes involved in the American Revolution.
His talent for writing and relentless drive take him from George Washington’s aide-de-camp to the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. His ambition also shapes his relationships with his wife, Eliza, his political rivals, and Aaron Burr, whose life becomes increasingly intertwined with his own.
Aaron Burr
Aaron Burr is Hamilton’s friend, rival, and the musical’s principal narrator.
Where Hamilton is outspoken and eager to act, Burr is cautious and calculated. Their contrasting approaches to politics, ambition, and opportunity drive much of the musical, eventually leading to their famous duel in 1804.
Eliza Hamilton
Elizabeth “Eliza” Schuyler Hamilton is Alexander Hamilton’s wife and one of the emotional centers of the musical.
Eliza falls in love with Hamilton early in the story, but their marriage is tested by his political ambitions and personal choices. Her role becomes particularly important in the musical’s exploration of memory and legacy.
Angelica Schuyler
Angelica is Eliza’s older sister and one of Hamilton’s closest intellectual companions.
Quick-witted and politically aware, Angelica forms an immediate connection with Hamilton but puts her relationship with her sister first. Her perspective on Hamilton and Eliza’s marriage is explored in songs including “Satisfied.”
George Washington
George Washington enters the musical as commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
Hamilton becomes his aide-de-camp and trusted adviser before later serving in Washington’s presidential administration. Washington also acts as a mentor to Hamilton, encouraging him to think beyond immediate political battles and consider how history will judge his actions.
Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson
Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson are two different characters traditionally played by the same actor.
Marquis de Lafayette is a French military officer and Hamilton’s friend during the American Revolution. He fights alongside Hamilton and plays an important role in the victory at Yorktown.
Thomas Jefferson appears in Act II after returning from France. As Secretary of State, he becomes one of Hamilton’s strongest political opponents, particularly over Hamilton’s plans for the new nation’s financial system.
Hercules Mulligan and James Madison
Hercules Mulligan and James Madison are also played by the same actor.
Hercules Mulligan is part of Hamilton’s circle of revolutionaries in Act I and gathers intelligence for the revolutionary cause.
James Madison appears in Act II as a political ally of Thomas Jefferson and an opponent of Hamilton’s financial policies.
John Laurens and Philip Hamilton
These two characters are traditionally played by the same actor, creating a connection between two important relationships in Hamilton’s life.
John Laurens is Hamilton’s close friend and fellow revolutionary during the war.
Philip Hamilton is Alexander and Eliza’s eldest son. He appears in Act II, where his story becomes an important turning point for the Hamilton family.
Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds
Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds are traditionally played by the same performer.
Peggy Schuyler is the younger sister of Angelica and Eliza and appears primarily during Act I.
Maria Reynolds enters Hamilton’s life in Act II. Their affair and its eventual public exposure have serious consequences for Hamilton’s marriage and political career.
King George III
King George III provides some of Hamilton’s sharpest comic moments.
Appearing at key points in the story, the British monarch comments on the American colonies’ fight for independence and later watches the new nation navigate its own political struggles from afar.
Why do actors play multiple characters in Hamilton?
Several principal performers take on one character in Act I and another in Act II. Lafayette becomes Jefferson, Mulligan becomes Madison, Laurens becomes Philip Hamilton, and Peggy Schuyler becomes Maria Reynolds.
The doubling allows a relatively compact principal cast to portray figures from different periods of Hamilton’s life. It also creates parallels between characters who play very different roles in his personal and political story.
Learn more about Hamilton on Broadway
Want to understand how these characters fit into the larger story? Check out What Is Hamilton About? The Story and History Behind the Broadway Musical for a guide to the musical’s plot and the real events that inspired it.
Hamilton is currently playing at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Get Broadway tickets through Broadway Direct and explore upcoming performances here.
