Inventing Anna: The Characters' 10 Best Story Arcs, Ranked
Despite mostly revolving around Anna Delvey’s story, some characters from Inventing Anna have their own fascinating individual arcs in the miniseries.
Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the series Inventing Anna.
Although the hit series, Inventing Anna, mostly revolves around Anna Delvey’s riveting story, the characters she meets along the way have their own fascinating arcs. Anna infiltrates elite circles in New York, after all, so it’s not surprising that she encounters a few interesting personalities.
From Kacy’s journey to happiness and acceptance to Vivian’s path to introspection and courage, the best individual storylines often depict significant changes in the characters’ lives after meeting (or even simply hearing of) Anna. While the changes they experience may not always be good for them, they still contribute to their absorbing narratives that fans won’t soon forget.
10 Jack Mercer
Jack may be a likable character in the miniseries, but he’s far from being the most interesting one. He mostly takes on a supporting role in Vivian’s story arc as she goes through one of the toughest periods in her life.
Jack doesn’t change much from the moment he’s first introduced to the last time fans see him. He’s a kind, patient, and loving partner who may at times be frustrated by Vivian’s questionable choices, but almost always agrees with whatever she wants to do.
9 Alan Reed
Perhaps the most entertaining thing about Alan’s story arc in the show is how subtle the changes are after his blunders with Anna. As a renowned finance lawyer, he’s expected to make all the right calls, especially when it comes to high-profile clients.
Anna inspires Alan to break out of his usual routines, whether it’s in the form of an uncharacteristic artsy purchase or a surprising morning kiss for his wife. He trusts her and obviously admires her drive and ambition, which is why he refuses to acknowledge all of the red flags. His narrative may not be as drastic or as memorable as Vivian’s or Rachel’s, but that doesn’t mean his storyline isn’t a good one.
8 Nora Radford
Nora is the most powerful character in the miniseries, and she knows it. She tends to be arrogant and somewhat rude to those she doesn’t consider as her equals, which is why fans can’t be blamed for feeling satisfied when Anna outsmarts her.
Of course, the protagonist’s actions are detestable and still wrong, and Nora does get the $400,000 back by making one quick phone call to her friend (AmEx’s CEO). That conclusion is either frustrating for fans who disliked her or thought-provoking for viewers who understand that filthy rich individuals like her can get away with unbelievable things.
7 Kacy Duke
Her clients and closest friends know that they can count on Kacy for words of wisdom and calming mantras whenever they need it. Kacy is initially more than willing to give her time and energy to those who ask, without really thinking about how exerting that effort affects her.
Over time, though, and especially because of her experiences with Rachel and Anna, Kacy learns how to put herself first. She talks to Neff about how she now knows how to set clear boundaries and let go of things that are detrimental to her. It’s a deeply underrated personal story arc that doesn’t really significantly affect other characters, and is a narrative that’s likely best appreciated when re-watching the miniseries.
6 Neff Davis
Neff has become a polarizing character in the fandom, as some fans love her for her badass personality and witty lines, while others dislike her for her decision to support Anna. Whichever side viewers fall on, it’s hard to deny that she has one of the most interesting story arcs in the show.
Unlike the rich and powerful people surrounding her, Neff works hard for everything she has, which is why she finds Anna’s “hustle” appealing. Perhaps the only universally-liked aspect of her storyline is how she eventually realizes she has to stop pushing back her dream of becoming a director and just go for it. However, it’s hard to ignore the questionable series of decisions she makes for Anna’s sake and her continued (and confusing) denial of the protagonist’s illegal actions.
5 Chase Sikorski
Chase is far from being the smartest character in Inventing Anna, which is why he’s easily manipulated by the protagonist, who even manages to distract him from her real last name. He can be a somewhat annoying and overconfident individual whose main goal is to charm as many investors as possible for his app, Wake.
What makes his storyline so satisfying is that he eventually realizes he has made a major mistake by not only undermining Anna, but also by telling her about the startup’s impending failure. Neither of them are good people, but at least Chase likely won’t be overstaying on any yachts or using the rich socialites in NYC anytime soon.
4 Todd Spodek
Todd slowly but surely becomes more likable in the miniseries as fans learn about his real motivations behind defending Anna. His self-worth and confidence become inextricably linked to the case, as it’s the only way he can prove to himself and his peers that he’s more than just a lucky person for marrying into Margaret’s well-known (and much wealthier) family.
Like Vivian, he develops an unhealthy obsession with ensuring that Anna wins. His intense fight with her where he reveals he’s doing it for himself, too, is arguably his most memorable scene. His story arc still doesn’t beat Rachel’s, but it sure comes close.
3 Rachel Williams
Whether fans like her or not, there’s no denying that Rachel has one of the best story arcs in the series. Vivian’s interviews with Kacy and Neff give varying depictions of what actually went down between Rachel and Anna in Morocco, which only leaves fans guessing what really took place.
Rachel’s narrative is so important because it gives audiences a clear idea of just how damaging Anna’s actions can be to average individuals. Adding the contentious point about her monetizing her experience also makes it even more thought-provoking, even if it isn’t for all the right reasons.
2 Vivian Kent
Vivian is easily one of the best characters in Inventing Anna simply because it’s through her story that fans see the wild events in the miniseries. Add her personal story arc on top of that, and it’s hard to top the complex narrative.
It can be infuriating to watch her run away from her problems at work, with her reputation, and even her pregnancy at first, but that’s precisely what makes it so rewarding to see her overcome those and even get over her obsession with Anna’s life story.
1 Anna Delvey (Anna Sorokin)
It should come as no surprise that Anna has the best story arc in the show, it’s about her, after all. From the opening sequence where she dares viewers to “pay attention” to her tear-jerking goodbye with Vivian, her storyline is the main reason audiences keep watching the miniseries.
The incredible twists and turns her narrative takes toe the line between being believable and too wild to be realistic. Anna’s curious backstory and devious schemes can keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.