George Bailey
George is a small-town man with big dreams. He dreams of getting out of Bedford Falls and seeing the world before becoming an influential member of society, but when circumstances arise continually in his hometown that prevent him from following this dream, he chooses to do what is right and sacrifice himself for the good of the town. He takes over his father's business when his father passes away to keep it out of a corrupt businessman's hands. He has a tremendous generosity of spirit that leads him to do what is good for the entire community and building Bedford Falls into a place that is amenable to those in need. When an accident leads George to lose all hope and nearly end his life, he is visited by a guardian angel, Clarence, who shows George just how important he is to the town. George is kindhearted, good-natured, a little kooky, and exceedingly charming. He comes to recognize that his sacrificial attitude has enriched the lives of others and that it is, indeed, a "wonderful life."
Mary
Mary is a young woman in Bedford Falls who becomes George's wife. Loving him since she was a little girl, Mary is a dynamic complement to George, sharing his values of generosity and compassion, while also helping him to clarify his dreams and ambitions. She is the glue in her family and the one who has always been certain of who she is and certain that who she is includes her love for George. At the end of the film, Mary saves the day by raising the funds needed to keep the Building and Loan business afloat.
Potter
Potter is the richest man in Bedford Falls and has a desire to accumulate as much money and power in the town as possible, often at the expense of those less fortunate than himself. He is an avaricious and corrupt man, who thinks only of profit and never of the common good. The Baileys have been standing in his way of absolute power for years, and George continues his father's legacy of helping those who need it most. Potter proves his complete nefariousness when he pockets an $8,000 deposit that he knows belongs to the Building and Loan, an act which threatens to send George to jail.
Harry
Harry is George's younger brother, a dynamic, handsome, and charming young man. Harry is meant to take over the Building and Loan, but after becoming a football star in college he marries a woman and takes a job at her father's company. He later goes on to win the Congressional Medal of Honor in WWII.
Uncle Billy
Uncle Billy is George's uncle and business associate at the Building and Loan. Billy has a good heart and a deep compassion, but he's forgetful and misplaces $8,000 by accidentally giving it to Potter at the bank when he was supposed to deposit it, which leads to the Building and Loan nearly going out of business. Billy is lovable, but infuriatingly absentminded at times, more intent on taking care of his pet squirrel and crow than in paying attention to practical matters.
Clarence
Clarence is an angel who has yet to get his wings in heaven. He is sent to stop George from taking his life during his lowest point. Clarence shows George what life in Bedford Falls would be like had he never been born, a hypothetical reality that terrifies and disturbs George. He is a benevolent soul, intent on showing George how valuable he is, and earning his wings.
