Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit: Character Guide
Noted are cast members, information about their character, notable events, organizations, and other details about the show.
[Unless Said Otherwise] Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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Noted are cast members, information about their character, notable events, organizations, and other details about the show.
Please Note: This content contains pertinent spoilers, descriptions are updated as new information is presented, images changed as better ones are captured, and this is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, guest star, or reoccurring role.
General Information
| Network(s) | Netflix |
| Creator(s) | Scott Frank, Allan Scott |
| First Aired | 10/23/2020 |
Official Synopsis
Based on the novel by Walter Tevis, the Netflix limited series drama The Queen’s Gambit is a coming-of-age story that explores the true cost of genius. Abandoned and entrusted to a Kentucky orphanage in the late 1950s, a young Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) discovers an astonishing talent for chess while developing an addiction to tranquilizers provided by the state as a sedative for the children. Haunted by her personal demons and fueled by a cocktail of narcotics and obsession, Beth transforms into an impressively skilled and glamorous outcast while determined to conquer the traditional boundaries established in the male-dominated world of competitive chess.
Groups & Organizations
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Notable Locations & Items
- Henry Clay High School (1.2): One of the locations, in Kentucky, that Beth competed in chess.
Other Noteworthy Information
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Where To Watch
Elizabeth “Beth” Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy & Isla Johnston)
An orphaned girl in Kentucky who realizes an incredible talent for chess while developing a dependency on tranquilizers at an early age. As she grows into a young woman, Beth is fueled by her addictions, jeopardizing herself and those around her in her determined pursuit of becoming champion.
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Additional Information About Beth
- Introduced In Season 1 Episode 1 “Openings” [Series Premiere]
- Age (1.2): 15 but pretends to be 13
- Championship (1.5): Becomes the US Championship in 1967
- When It All Began (1.7): Became an orphan around 9, and that is also when she was taught chess.
Quotes & Gifs
[They were] not pathetic, [they were] was stuck. There’s a difference.
— Beth (1.6)
Mrs. Alma Wheatley (Marielle Heller)
A lonely housewife with an absent husband and her own vices, Alma welcomes Beth as both her adopted daughter and much-needed companion.
Additional Information About Mrs. Wheatley
- Introduced In Season 1/ Episode 2
Quotes & Gifs
I don’t know why my body is so intent on sabotaging my brain when my brain is perfectly capable of sabotaging itself.
— Mrs. Wheatley (1.3)
Benny Watts (Thomas Brodie-Sangster)
Arrogant, confident, and calm, Benny Watts, a young chess talent himself, becomes one of Beth’s greatest opponents as well as one of her closest allies.
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Additional Information About Benny
- Introduced In Season 1/ Episode 3
- Record (1.3): Has no losses, but one draw
- Child Prodigy (1.3): Benny was 8 years old when he started to really become big in the chess world
Quotes & Gifs
Jolene (Moses Ingram)
Fellow orphan, and host to new residents, Jolene quickly befriends Beth and helps her navigate the rules and regulations of orphan life.
Additional Information About Jolene
- Introduced In Season 1/ Episode 2
- Job Prospects (1.7): Is a paralegal saving up for law school.
Quotes & Gifs
You’ve been the best at what you do for so long, you don’t even know what it’s like for the rest of us.
— Jolene (1.7)
I’m not your guardian angel. I’m not here to save you. Hell, I can barely save me. I’m here because you need me to be here.
— Jolene (1.7)
Harry Beltik (Harry Melling)
A traditional learner and one of the best chess players in the state of Kentucky, Harry is in awe of Beth’s talent and enters her life when she is at a low point.
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Additional Information About Harry
- Introduced In Season 1/ Episode 2
- Champion (1.2): Is Kentucky’s state champion
- Teeth (1.5): Gets his teeth fixed – due to his feelings for Beth.
Quotes & Gifs
Anger is a potent spice. A pinch wakes you up, too much dulls your senses.
— Harry (1.5)
Mr. Shaibel (Bill Camp)
A janitor who introduces Beth to the game of chess and is quickly humbled by her natural ability at the game. Mr. Shaibel opens new doors for the young prodigy.
Additional Information About Mr. Shaibel
- Introduced In Season 1 Episode 1 “Openings” [Series Premiere]
Quotes & Gifs
Vasily Borgov (Marcin Dorncinski)
A Russian world champion who Beth is scheduled to face.
Additional Information About Vasily
- Introduced In Season 1/ Episode 4
- It All Began (1.6): Started playing chess when he was 4.
Quotes & Gifs
Ms. Deardroff (Christiane Seidel)
The headmistress of the orphanage Liz finds herself in after her mother’s death.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1 Episode 1 “Openings” [Series Premiere]
Quotes & Gifs
After grief brings you low, prayer and faith brings you high. High enough to see a new path for yourself.
— Ms. Deardroff (1.1)
Mr. Ganz (Jonjo O’Neill)
A high school chess club mentor who is astounded by Liz’s abilities.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1 Episode 1 “Openings” [Series Premiere]
Quotes & Gifs
Allston (Patrick Kennedy)
Alma’s husband who works in sales and often is away.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1/ Episode 2
Quotes & Gifs
Annette (Eloise Webb)
Someone Beth competes against and helps her when she has her first period.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1/ Episode 2
Quotes & Gifs
DL Townes (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd)
One of Beth’s competitors who she gets a crush on.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1/ Episode 2
- Occupation (1.3): Writes for Chess review
- Sexual Orientation (1.7): He’s gay
Quotes & Gifs
Manuel (Pablo Scola)
Alma’s pen pal from her childhood who she meets in Mexico City, in 1966, when Beth has a competition there
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1/ Episode 4
Quotes & Gifs
Georgi Girev (Louis Ashbourne Serkis)
A young boy, a prodigy in the making, who Beth faces in Mexico City.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1/ Episode 4
Quotes & Gifs
Cleo (Millie Brady)
A model from Paris, France, and friend of Benny, who befriends Beth and is perhaps one of the first women, her own age, who she spends time with.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 1, Episode 6
Quotes & Gifs
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