Tony and Maria
Tony is a former member of the Jets who falls in love with Maria, the sister of Sharks leader Bernardo. Their romance drives the central conflict of the story.
The Jets and the Sharks
The Jets are a white working-class gang led by Riff, while the Sharks are a Puerto Rican gang led by Bernardo. Their rivalry mirrors the broader tensions that shape the narrative.
Key Supporting Figures
Other important characters include Anita, Bernardo’s girlfriend and a strong voice for the Puerto Rican community, and Officer Krupke, who represents the authorities trying to manage the gang violence.
For more background on the musical and its characters, see West Side Story on Broadway.
