Eddie Felson, played by Paul Newman

Description

Eddie Felson is a cocky pool shark. He has been winning money around the country and believes that he is the best. Now, he simply wants to play Minnesota Fats who has long been considered better than him. When Eddie plays Minnesota Fats, his life gets turned upside down. Eddie loses terribly and leaves his partner, Charlie. Eventually he moves in with Sarah Packard, a beautiful young woman who is moody but believes in him. While Eddie is playing that night, Bert Gordon also notices Eddie and wants to make him into a real player.

Eddie finally agrees to begin working with Bert when he runs out of money. Bert wants to make Eddie the best player possible, and he pushes Sarah to the edge. After she commits suicide, Eddie is distraught. He finally goes back and plays Minnesota Fats until he...