27 characters in Collateral 2004 screenplay by Stuart Beatti and Michael Mann
A meticulous cab driver who has driven the same route for 12 years while dreaming of starting a limousine company. When forced to become Vincent's unwilling accomplice, he gradually transforms from passive victim to someone who fights back and saves lives.
A professional assassin hired to eliminate five federal witnesses in one night. Cold, methodical, and philosophically nihilistic, he forces cab driver Max to drive him to his targets while engaging in darkly profound conversations about life's meaninglessness.
An Assistant U.S. Attorney working on a major federal case against Felix Reyes-Torrena. Smart and dedicated but anxious about her upcoming trial, she forms a brief but meaningful connection with Max before becoming Vincent's final target.
A federal agent leading the surveillance operation to protect witnesses in the Felix Reyes-Torrena case. His single-minded pursuit of 'Vincent' leads to tragic misidentification of Max as the killer.
A sophisticated drug cartel leader who hired Vincent to eliminate federal witnesses. Elegant and dangerous, he tests Max's ability to impersonate Vincent in a deadly game of wits.
An LAPD detective investigating the disappearance of his informant Ramone Gallardo. Skeptical of the FBI's theories, he becomes the only cop to believe Max is innocent and tries to save him, ultimately sacrificing his life.
The owner of a jazz club who once played with Louis Armstrong. A federal witness against Felix, he becomes Vincent's third target despite Vincent's genuine appreciation for his music and story.
Max's dying mother who lives in a fantasy about her son's success. Her interaction with Vincent reveals Max's deep-seated issues with self-worth and family expectations.
An LAPD lieutenant in Major Narcotics who works with Detective Fanning. Initially skeptical of Fanning's theories but gradually realizes the scope of the night's events.
Max's abusive dispatcher who constantly berates him and tries to make him pay for cab damage. Vincent's intervention against Lenny becomes a moment of empowerment for Max.
A uniformed police officer who pulls over Max's cab after the first murder. Professional but suspicious, he nearly discovers the body in the trunk before being called away to another emergency.
An LAPD patrol sergeant who responds to Max's car crash and discovers the body in the trunk. His by-the-book approach nearly prevents Max from saving Annie.
A gas station attendant who knows Max and later a morgue attendant who helps Detective Fanning identify bodies. Both represent the working-class community that Max belongs to.
A white supremacist gang member who tries to rob Max while he's tied up in the cab. His encounter with Vincent demonstrates Vincent's lethal efficiency and protective instinct toward Max.
A professional woman engaged in a heated argument with her partner during a cab ride with Max. Her conflict reveals the tensions of modern relationships and workplace dynamics.
The partner of Cop #1 who notices blood on Max's cab and becomes increasingly suspicious. His observations nearly expose Vincent's crimes early in the night.
An Asian waitress at Daniel's jazz club who serves Vincent and Max. Her presence adds to the normal atmosphere that Vincent destroys with his violence.
Annie's legal assistant who handles transcriptions and case preparation. Represents the support system behind Annie's prosecution work.
A criminal defense lawyer who represents drug dealers and becomes Vincent's second target. His murder in his penthouse reveals the scope of Vincent's assignment.
Partner of White Guy #1 in the attempted robbery of Max. Like his partner, he underestimates Vincent and pays with his life.
Emergency operator who tries to help Annie when she calls for help. Represents the failure of normal protective systems when Vincent cuts the phone lines.
A mysterious figure with a North London accent who collides with Vincent at the airport in what appears to be a briefcase exchange. His role suggests he's part of Vincent's network or assignment setup.
A member of Chinese gangbangers who threatens Max when he tries to intervene in their violence. Represents the casual brutality Max encounters in his daily work.
Felix's enforcer who is sent to eliminate Vincent if the mission goes wrong. His presence at the nightclub creates additional danger for Max and the real Vincent.
A late-night club-goer whose cell phone Max steals to call Annie. His brief encounter shows Max's desperate determination to save her.
Paco's partner and fellow cartel enforcer. Armed with advanced weaponry, he represents the cartel's backup plan to eliminate Vincent if necessary.
A Korean-American federal witness and Vincent's fourth target. Despite heavy protection at the nightclub Fever, he cannot escape Vincent's deadly efficiency.