Leo Finkle

Leo Finkle has spent the last six years studying to become a rabbi at New York's Yeshivah University. Because he believes that he will have a better chance of getting employment with a congregation if he is married, Leo consults a professional matchmaker. Leo is a cold person; he comes to realize that "he did not love God so well as he might, because he had not loved man." When Finkle falls in love with Salzman's daughter, Stella, the rabbinical student must confront his own emotional failings.

Lily Hirschorn

Lily Hirschorn is introduced to Leo Finkle, the rabbinical student, by Pinye Salzman, the matchmaker. She is a schoolteacher, comes from a good family, converses on many topics, and Leo considers her "not unpretty." It soon becomes clear, however, that the match between them will not work.

Pinye Salzman

Leo consults Pinye Salzman, who is a professional matchmaker...