Mrs. Sterling

About the Job

Role: The secret weapon. Appears to be a random elderly woman, is actually the immigrant founder of a billion-dollar empire. The moral center. Type: Open ethnicity. Must read as "invisible" to the antagonists — modest, unassuming, possibly immigrant background that informs the character's history. Essential Qualities: Dignity without grandeur. Power in quiet presence. Can play confusion when attacked, then warmth when recognized The reveal must land: this ordinary woman built everything Chemistry with "Alex" — real mother-son warmth in brief moments Physical: Cardigans, comfortable shoes, minimal makeup. The woman Brad and Tiffany literally cannot see until it's too late. Key Scenes: Arrival at Brunch (ignored, then attacked) The reveal ("Hi, sweetie. Did you fix the leak in the garage?") Final toast with Alex (validation earned) Comp: Real immigrant grandmother energy, Sophia Loren aging gracefully, any woman who survived more than you'll ever know