The main characters' names are Roger, Mark, Mimi, Maureen, Joanne, Angel, Collins, and Benny.
Mark is a filmmaker, trying to find his film. He just lost his girlfriend, Maureen, to Joanne, and is trying to figure out how to help his roommate, Roger.
Mimi is a junkie who meets Roger when she comes to his apartment, looking for a light for her candle. She also has AIDS and she and Roger get together after a few problems, but Roger eventually finds his song when he admits his love for Mimi.
Maureen is formerly Mark's girlfriend, who has now decided that Joanne is better for her. Maureen stages a protest in the first act with her unforgettable song, "Over the Moon" where she gets the audience to moo with her.
Joanne is a lawyer who tries to help Maureen with her protest, but eventually must call in Mark to help, as she doesn't really know what to do.
Collins is a teacher who is long-time friends with Mark and Roger. He and Angel both have AIDS, so they decide to go to a Life Support meeting together, and hook up.
Benny is formerly Mark and Roger's roommate who married a rich girl and is now their landlord. He tries to be the bad guy, but can occasionally be nice to them. He and Mimi used to have a thing going, but broke up, and he is now jealous that she has hooked up with Roger.
The author/composer of RENT, Jonathan Larson, died of an aortic aneurysm the night before RENT opened for the New York Theater performance in 1996. After his death, his musical won all sorts of awards and whatnot.
