Nathan Detroit — Guys and Dolls Character Profile

About Nathan Detroit

An illegal craps game organizer struggling to secure a venue and a $1,000 deposit, whose failed wager and long engagement ultimately push him toward marriage and leaving gambling behind.

Character Facts

Played by

Frank Sinatra

Appears in

Guys and Dolls (1955)

Role

Supporting

Relationships (4)

• Nathan Detroit — Social Fellow Gambler — Nicely-Nicely Johnson (Stubby Kaye)

  Longtime gambling partner who shares the same criminal lifestyle and eventual redemption.

• Nathan Detroit — Conflict Hostile Debtor — Big Jule (B.S. Pully)

  Ruthless mobster who exploits Nathan financially through cheating at gunpoint.

• Nathan Detroit — Alliance Betting Partner — Sky Masterson (Marlon Brando)

  Acquaintances who form a high-stakes wager to secure a gambling venue.

• Nathan Detroit — Romantic Fiancé — Miss Adelaide (Vivian Blaine)

  Long-term engaged couple with conflicting life goals regarding marriage and gambling.

Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Guys and Dolls

More characters from Guys and Dolls

• Sky Masterson (Marlon Brando)
• Sarah Brown (Jean Simmons)
• Miss Adelaide (Vivian Blaine)
• Society Max (George E. Stone)
• Lt. Brannigan (Robert Keith)
• Dancer (uncredited) (Lynette Bernay)
• General Cartwright (Kathryn Givney)
• Nicely-Nicely Johnson (Stubby Kaye)
• Arvide Abernathy (Regis Toomey)
• Laverne (Veda Ann Borg)
• Calvin (Kay E. Kuter)
• Agatha (Mary Alan Hokanson)