A jovial British sergeant serving in World War I, Bill is the story's central figure. He discovers that Gaspard is a German spy, infiltrates enemy ranks with Alf, and uncovers a plan to destroy a bridge. Though mistaken for a German spy and sentenced to be shot, he is vindicated by Bert and promoted to sergeant.
Judd is Thomas Burton's valet and helps protect his master from the gang plotting against him. He disguises himself as Thomas and sends a radio call for help to the army, navy, police, Elks, and other organizations. Their response leads to the gang's capture, making Judd's impersonation and alarm central to resolving the danger.
The Kaiser is the target of Charlie's literal knockout in the film's humorous patriotic imagery. His role connects the bond-selling message to the wartime cause: the summary describes Charlie buying Liberty Bonds to help equip American servicemen and says the film aims to promote those bonds.
A timid baggage porter and aspiring poet, Arthur is persuaded by Lord Melville Dryden to impersonate him during the voyage to Africa. Though frightened and out of his depth, he wins Beatrice Braden's affection and ultimately faces the Missing Link to protect her, becoming an unlikely hero.
A fast-talking former panhandler who works as a bouncer at the Ring Café, Nat agrees to Harry's scheme to marry for money and travels to Radville to pose as a wealthy, virtuous churchgoer. He becomes part-owner of Sam's struggling drugstore and falls in love with Betty, ultimately escaping an unwanted engagement to Josie and proposing to Betty.
A wealthy young bachelor who falls in love with Betty Annesly and takes a job as a gardener for her father, Colonel Annesley, to be near her. When Betty discovers his deception, Bob refuses to serve at an important lunch and is replaced. He later disguises himself as a waitress, frustrates Badkoff's theft of secret helicopter plans, and ultimately wins Betty's hand.
Fancourt Babberley, known to his friends as Babbs, is the central figure of the comedy. He loves Ela and becomes involved in helping her father after a heavy roulette loss. When Charley's aunt fails to arrive, Jack and Charley persuade him to disguise himself as her; the impersonation drives the confusion, and he eventually wins consent for the young women's marriages before revealing the deception.
The husband of a friend whose marriage temporarily splits after Tommie Lou's drunken antics at her coming-out party provoke a marital crisis. He is eventually reconciled with his wife.
Syd Chaplin has 46 screen credits in a career dating back to 1914. Signature works include The Better 'Ole, Giddy, gay and ticklish, Sydney, the Other Chaplin. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.
