Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the series Inventing Anna.
Anna Delvey isn’t just drawn to New York for the glamor, fashion, food, and lifestyle, but also because of the power – it’s what Inventing Anna revolves around. Everything Anna does to strangers, friends, and family is all about gaining more power and making others believe she is someone more influential than she actually is.
When thinking about who among the main characters in the miniseries are the most powerful individuals, it’s useful to consider aspects that are not just about their wealth, but also their influence, connections, and reputation. It’s all about who can make things happen simply because of who they are (or pretend to be) and what they do.
Jack Mercer
Fans may recall an awkward moment between Jack and the much more powerful Margaret, who asks him where she may have seen his art before. Jack obviously feels small at that moment, as he knows her prominent family would have never heard of him at all.
That said, Jack doesn’t really care much about impressing (much less joining) those circles. He is focused on starting a family with Vivian and is happy to be a supportive husband and loving father. It’s a refreshing perspective that’s drastically different from most on the show.
Rachel Williams
It’s not clear exactly why Anna befriends Rachel, as she doesn’t stand to benefit much from the writer who is clearly eager to be her pal. Perhaps it’s Rachel’s connections that turn her into a target, as she does know quite a few interesting people thanks to her job.
Whichever the case may be, there are not a lot of moments in the series that highlights Rachel’s power. Of course, the way she faces Anna in court may be considered brave, and the way she makes the best of her bad situation by monetizing it is also a bold power move.
Vivian Kent
Vivian may be one of the best characters in the miniseries, but she’s far from being the most influential one. She has her connections as a journalist, but that can only get her so far (especially after her controversial list).
It’s when Vivian publishes the story about Anna that she suddenly becomes a much more powerful figure in the series. She has control over the narrative and is always first in line to see Anna, which boosts her career and changes her level of authority in the industry.
Todd Spodek
Todd is a likable character and a talented lawyer, and he shows that he can use his knowledge and authority to make sure he’s not taken advantage of. When he suspects that the ADA is withholding discovery, he demands to see everything they have.
Of course, in every other situation outside of the courtroom, Todd is not so different from everyone else. He can be powerful by proxy thanks to his wealthy wife, but on his own, he has limited influence. He’s an insecure husband who tries to be a good father, and eventually, Anna’s loyal friend.
Kacy Duke
After all the chaos that happens after fans are first introduced to the personal trainer, it’s easy to forget that Kacy has some level of influence in New York. She’s a popular go-to for celebrities and influencers, which is exactly why Anna gravitates towards her.
Kacy is a kindhearted person, so she doesn’t seem to be using her power in a negative way at all in the show. She seems to genuinely love her job, as she enjoys helping others become the best versions of themselves.
Chase Sikorski
It may be frustrating to see Chase use others and undermine Anna, but he’s undoubtedly a powerful character in the series. He earns his influence through hard work and networking, as a lot of it is centered on his revolutionary app, “Wake.”
Chase becomes pals with people like Nora precisely because he needs to somehow insert himself in these circles. Although Anna eventually uses and surpasses him, which causes him to lose his authority, he was at least briefly well-known in the scene.
Neff Davis
Neff is one of the smartest characters in Inventing Anna. Because she works in the “people business,” she’s quick to recognize power and influence, which is why Anna appeals to her.
Anna and viewers soon learn that although she may not be rich, Neff has an impressive and unique power that helps the fake German heiress access the hottest parties and coolest events. As Vivian puts it, Neff is the “power behind the throne,” and although it’s a very specific kind of authority, it’s nonetheless an impressive one.
Alan Reed
As a reputable financial lawyer, Alan is used to being treated with respect and perceived as intimidating wherever he goes – even his games of squash are affected by his level of authority in the industry.
Alan is one of the first people Anna goes to when she envisions the Anna Delvey Foundation, as she knows he’s the key to the biggest financial organizations like Fortress. It’s his sway in that area that makes his mistakes with Anna so controversial, as he’s expected to be among the best at his job. Unlike Nora, he lacks the privacy and right connections to hide his errors.
Anna Delvey (Anna Sorokin)
Whether fans like her or not, it can’t be denied that Anna is a badass female lead who doesn’t hesitate to go after what she wants. Although she may have grown up powerless in a small town in Germany, she practices and prepares to change her situation using her wit and cunning.
What makes Anna so powerful is her ability to make people believe that she’s someone more influential than she actually is. She’s able to sway financial institutions and wealthy socialites with a gorgeous outfit and manipulative words. Her story impacts the world because of how much power she gains in such a small amount of time, even though it is all a con.
Nora Radford
One person in the miniseries whose power is far from being an illusion is Nora. Anna knows this and does everything she can to infiltrate her circle of influential women from various industries. Nora isn’t just wealthy, she’s well-known in all the right circles.
An underrated scene that underscores Nora’s authority happens when Vivian asks Nora about the $400,000 Anna stole from her. She nonchalantly says it doesn’t matter because she just had to make one phone call to a friend – who happens to be the CEO of AmEx – to get all of it back.