Stanton “Stan” Carlisle

Stanton “Stan” Carlisle is the central character in Nightmare Alley. He demonstrates how a person can become schooled to manipulate others, yet not spot when he is being manipulated. Stan sets out to make his fortune by using everyone and everything in his path. He starts an extra-marital affair with Zeena so she will share with him her secrets to being a fortune teller and cold reader. Stan promises Molly he will always protect her so that she will agree to work a vaudeville show with him.

Stan believes he is manipulating Lilith, the psychiatrist. In reality, Lilith is manipulating him. When Stan’s attempt to take advantage of a wealthy industrialist falls apart, Stan discovers that Lilith has stolen from him. She proves she is only interested in taking care of herself while she is married to Grindle, the man she and Stan are attempting...