Editing Sex and the City (section)

==Cast and characters==
{{main|List of Sex and the City characters|l1=List of ''Sex and the City'' characters}}
===Carrie Bradshaw===
[[File:Sarah Jessica Parker at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival 3.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Columnist [[Carrie Bradshaw]] is played by [[Sarah Jessica Parker]]]]
[[Carrie Bradshaw]] ([[Sarah Jessica Parker]]) is the narrator and central character of the television series ''Sex and the City''. Each episode is framed through her inner monologue while writing her weekly column, ''Sex and the City'', for the fictional newspaper ''The New York Star''. Initially conceptualized as a lawyer, the character was reimagined as a columnist to allow for greater narrative flexibility and engagement with New York City’s nightlife. Bradshaw is depicted as a prominent figure in New York’s social scene, recognized for her distinctive fashion sense. She resides in a studio apartment in an [[Upper East Side]] [[brownstone]] and maintains a close friendship with Stanford Blatch ([[Willie Garson]]), a gay talent agent.

Carrie’s most significant romantic relationship throughout the series is with [[Mr. Big (Sex and the City)|Mr. Big]] ([[Chris Noth]]), a wealthy and enigmatic businessman. Their relationship is characterized by recurring breakups and reconciliations, primarily due to Big’s reluctance to fully commit. A recurring [[Motif (narrative)|motif]] involves Carrie being interrupted whenever she attempts to state Big’s real name; his first name, John, is only disclosed in the final episode of the series).

Their second breakup occurs in Season 2 when Big moves to [[Paris]] for business and expresses little interest in a [[long-distance relationship]]. Carrie later encounters him with his new, significantly younger girlfriend, Natasha. Attempts at maintaining a friendship are strained, particularly after Big becomes engaged to Natasha Naginsky ([[Bridget Moynahan]])—a level of commitment he previously denied Carrie.

In Season 3, Carrie enters a relationship with Aidan Shaw ([[John Corbett]]), a furniture designer with a more conventional and patient demeanor. Despite initial compatibility, Carrie engages in an affair with Big, which ends after Natasha discovers Carrie at Big’s apartment. After confessing the [[infidelity]], Carrie and Aidan separate but reconcile in Season 4. Aidan proposes, but the engagement dissolves due to Carrie’s unresolved connection with Big.

As the series progresses, Carrie and Big attempt to redefine their relationship, eventually settling into a form of friendship. During the final season, Big experiences a health scare, prompting Carrie to reassess her feelings. However, his continued emotional unavailability leads her to pursue a new relationship.

Carrie later begins a relationship with Aleksandr Petrovsky ([[Mikhail Baryshnikov]]), a renowned Russian artist. He introduces her to an international lifestyle and demonstrates a greater degree of romantic attentiveness. Petrovsky eventually asks Carrie to relocate to Paris, which she agrees to, despite concerns from her friends—particularly Miranda—about the relationship’s imbalance.

In Paris, Carrie becomes increasingly disillusioned due to Petrovsky’s preoccupation with his work and her sense of isolation. After an argument in which he accidentally strikes her, Carrie decides to leave. Mr. Big travels to Paris to reconcile with her. Following a confrontation with Petrovsky, Big finds Carrie in the hotel lobby and tells her she is "the one." The series concludes with Carrie and Big returning to New York City together.

===Charlotte York===
[[File:Kristindavis1999.jpg|thumb|upright|Art dealer and housewife [[Charlotte York Goldenblatt]] is played by [[Kristin Davis]]]]
[[Charlotte York Goldenblatt|Charlotte York]] ([[Kristin Davis]]) is one of the four central characters in ''Sex and the City''. She is depicted as having a conventional and privileged upbringing in [[Connecticut]] and works at an art gallery in New York City. Raised in an [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopalian]] household, Charlotte is characterized by her idealism, traditional values, and perfectionist nature. She is an alumna of [[Smith College]], where she majored in art history and minored in finance. Although the show states she was a member of the [[Kappa Kappa Gamma]] sorority, no such organizations exist at the real Smith College. During the series, it is revealed that Charlotte was voted [[prom]] queen, [[homecoming]] queen, and student body president, in addition to being a cheerleader and track team captain.

Charlotte is known for her romantic worldview, in contrast to the more pragmatic or cynical attitudes of the other women, particularly Samantha Jones. She places a strong emphasis on emotional intimacy, marriage, and family.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Striking_Race_6907 |date=2023-09-09 |title=What happened to the Charlotte York family? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Andjustlikethat/comments/16ejgzp/what_happened_to_the_charlotte_york_family/?rdt=56367 |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=r/Andjustlikethat}}</ref> Her relationships often reflect her desire to find a suitable partner for marriage, typically dating men with professional or social prestige.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Walsh |first=Savannah |date=2021-12-09 |title='And Just Like That': All the 'Sex and the City' Easter Eggs You May Have Missed |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/12/and-just-like-that-all-the-sex-and-the-city-easter-eggs-you-may-have-missed |access-date=2024-12-02 |magazine=Vanity Fair |language=en-US}}</ref>

Despite her traditional values, Charlotte occasionally subverts expectations. She briefly has a relationship with an [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox Jewish]] artist, dresses in drag for a portrait, and agrees to pose for an artist's rendering of her [[vulva]]. She and Samantha often clash over their differing perspectives on sex and relationships.

In Season 3, Charlotte meets Trey MacDougal ([[Kyle MacLachlan]]), a cardiologist from a wealthy, old-money family. After a brief courtship, Charlotte proposes marriage, which Trey accepts. Their engagement and wedding proceed quickly, but they encounter problems immediately. Charlotte discovers that Trey suffers from [[Erectile dysfunction|impotence]], and his refusal to address the issue, coupled with the interference of his domineering mother Bunny ([[Frances Sternhagen]]), strains the marriage. Despite attempts to reconcile, including pursuing fertility treatments and considering adoption, the couple ultimately separates and divorces.

Charlotte later begins a relationship with Harry Goldenblatt ([[Evan Handler]]), her divorce attorney. Initially reluctant due to Harry’s physical appearance and mannerisms, Charlotte is encouraged by friends to pursue the relationship. Their bond deepens, but Harry informs Charlotte he cannot marry someone who is not Jewish. Motivated by her commitment to him, Charlotte converts to [[Judaism]]. Although they briefly separate due to miscommunication and expectations, they reconcile, and Harry proposes. The couple marries in a traditional Jewish ceremony.

Charlotte later becomes pregnant through [[acupuncture]] therapy but suffers a [[miscarriage]]. The couple adopts a daughter, Lily, from China. In ''[[Sex and the City (film)|Sex and the City: The Movie]]'', it is revealed that Charlotte later becomes pregnant and gives birth to their second daughter, Rose.

===Miranda Hobbes===
[[File:Cynthia Nixon 2009 portrait.jpg|thumb|upright|left|[[Cynthia Nixon]] plays the role of lawyer [[Miranda Hobbes]]]]
[[Miranda Hobbes]] ([[Cynthia Nixon]]) is one of the four main characters in ''Sex and the City''. A [[Harvard Law School]] graduate (Class of 1990), Miranda is a career-driven attorney from the [[Philadelphia]] area. She is characterized by her pragmatic worldview, sharp wit, and skepticism toward romantic relationships. Often acting as a voice of reason within the group, she is also one of Carrie's closest confidantes.

Miranda is initially introduced as highly independent and guarded, particularly in matters of love. Early in the series, she is set up on a blind date with Skipper, a friend of Carrie’s, but dismisses him for being too passive.

Her most significant and long-term relationship in the series is with Steve Brady ([[David Eigenberg]]), a [[bartender]] she meets during a chance encounter. What begins as a [[Casual dating|casual relationship]] gradually develops into a deeper connection. However, financial and lifestyle disparities between the two create tension. Steve struggles with Miranda’s success and independence, while Miranda grapples with vulnerability. Their relationship ends when Steve, feeling inadequate, breaks up with her after returning a suit she had offered to buy him for a work function.

The two later reconcile after a candid encounter, and Steve moves into Miranda’s apartment. Disagreements about having children lead to another breakup, which is further underscored by their failed attempt to [[Coparenting|co-parent]] a dog. Despite separating, Miranda continues to support Steve when he is diagnosed with [[testicular cancer]], helping him through his treatment.

Following a brief period of renewed intimacy, Miranda discovers she is pregnant. Although she initially considers terminating the pregnancy, she ultimately decides to keep the baby. She later gives birth to a son, Brady Hobbes (named using Steve’s surname). As a single working mother, Miranda navigates the challenges of balancing her legal career and parenting, often with the assistance of her housekeeper, Magda, who becomes a maternal figure and caregiver.

Miranda eventually acknowledges she still has feelings for Steve but chooses not to interfere when she learns he is dating another woman. She subsequently begins a relationship with Dr. Robert Leeds ([[Blair Underwood]]), a sports physician for the [[New York Knicks]]. Although Robert expresses his love for Miranda, she is unable to reciprocate. At Brady’s first birthday party, Miranda realizes she is still in love with Steve and confesses her feelings. Steve reciprocates, and the two reconcile, ending their respective relationships.

They marry in a simple ceremony held in a community garden. The couple relocates from [[Manhattan]] to a house in [[Brooklyn]], a move Miranda initially resists but eventually embraces for the sake of their family.

In the final episodes of the series, Miranda and Steve care for Steve’s mother, Mary, who is suffering from [[dementia]]/[[Alzheimer's disease|Alzheimer's]]. Miranda allows Mary to live with them and assumes caregiving responsibilities, including bathing her during a particularly difficult episode. Her housekeeper Magda remarks that Miranda’s actions reflect the nature of genuine love, highlighting Miranda’s emotional growth over the course of the series.

===Samantha Jones===
[[File:Kim Cattrall 2011 TIFF Premiere of Meeting Monica Velour -a.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Kim Cattrall]] plays PR businesswoman [[Samantha Jones (Sex and the City)|Samantha Jones]]]]
[[Samantha Jones (Sex and the City)|Samantha Jones]] ([[Kim Cattrall]]) is the oldest and most sexually confident of the four central characters in ''Sex and the City''. A successful [[public relations]] executive, Samantha is portrayed as assertive, independent, and unapologetically open about her sexuality. She often describes herself as a "try-sexual," expressing a willingness to explore various sexual experiences. Rejecting conventional notions of romance, Samantha declares early in the series that she prefers sex without emotional involvement, likening her approach to that traditionally attributed to men.

Throughout the series, Samantha engages in numerous short-term sexual relationships. One of her more serious involvements occurs when she enters a lesbian relationship with Maria ([[Sônia Braga]]), an artist. The relationship marks her first attempt at [[monogamy]] but ends when Samantha realizes that her sexual preferences are incompatible with long-term emotional exclusivity.

Samantha later develops a professional and personal relationship with hotel magnate Richard Wright ([[James Remar]]), whom she initially views as a male counterpart due to his similarly non-committal attitude toward relationships. Their relationship evolves into a monogamous one, and Samantha finds herself unexpectedly developing feelings for him. However, after discovering Richard’s infidelity, she ends the relationship despite a brief reconciliation. Her lingering mistrust ultimately prevents the relationship from continuing.

In the final season, Samantha begins a relationship with Jerry "Smith" Jerrod ([[Jason Lewis (actor)|Jason Lewis]]), a younger aspiring actor. What begins as a casual affair becomes more serious over time. Samantha plays a significant role in advancing Smith's career and gradually allows herself to be emotionally vulnerable with him. During her battle with [[breast cancer]], Smith provides unwavering support, including shaving his head in solidarity during her chemotherapy treatment. Despite her initial resistance, Samantha eventually embraces the emotional depth of their relationship.

In ''Sex and the City: The Movie'', Samantha is living in [[Los Angeles]] with Smith and managing his acting career. Although they remain together for several years, Samantha ultimately decides to end the relationship, recognizing that she has lost sight of her personal desires and independence. She returns to New York City, choosing to prioritize her own well-being. The breakup is portrayed as amicable, and they remain friends.

===Recurring roles===
;List of notables recurring roles during series
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin-right:auto"
|-
! Portrayed by
! Character
! Notes
! Recurring seasons
! Episodes
! Episode count
|-
| [[Chris Noth]]
| [[Mr. Big (Sex and the City)|John James "Mr. Big" Preston]]
| Carrie's [[On-again, off-again relationship|on-again-off-again]] boyfriend, later husband
| 1–6
| 1.01–6.20
| 41
|-
| [[David Eigenberg]]
| [[Steve Brady (Sex and the City)|Steven "Steve" Brady]]
| Miranda's boyfriend, later husband
| 2–6
| 2.08–6.20
| 41
|-
| [[Willie Garson]]
| [[Stanford Blatch]]
| Carrie's friend
| 1–6
| 1.01–6.18
| 27
|-
| [[Kyle MacLachlan]]
| [[Trey MacDougal]]
| Charlotte's first husband
| 3–4
| 3.07–4.18
| 23
|-
| [[John Corbett (actor)|John Corbett]]
| [[Aidan Shaw]]
| Carrie's boyfriend, briefly fiancé
| 3–4, 6
| 3.05–4.16, 6.01
| 22
|-
| [[Evan Handler]]
| [[Harry Goldenblatt|Harrison "Harry" Goldenblatt]]
| Charlotte's lawyer and second husband
| 5–6
| 5.06–6.20
| 18
|-
| [[Jason Lewis (actor)|Jason Lewis]]
| [[List of Sex and the City characters#Smith Jerrod|Jerry "Smith" Jerrod]]
| Samantha's boyfriend
| 6
| 6.02–6.20
| 18
|-
| [[Lynn Cohen]]
| [[List of Sex and the City characters#Magda|Magda]]
| Miranda's housekeeper
| 3–6
| 3.03–6.20
| 13
|-
| [[James Remar]]
| [[List of Sex and the City characters#Richard Wright|Richard Wright]]
| Samantha's boyfriend
| 4–5, 6
| 4.10–5.03, 6.13
| 12
|-
| [[Mario Cantone]]
| [[List of Sex and the City characters#Anthony Marentino|Anthony Marentino]]
| Charlotte's wedding planner and friend
| 3–6
| 3.11–6.20
| 12
|-
| [[Frances Sternhagen]]
| [[List of Sex and the City characters#Bunny MacDougal|Bunny MacDougal]]
| Trey's mother
| 3–5
| 3.09–5.06
| 10
|-
| [[Mikhail Baryshnikov]]
| [[Aleksandr Petrovsky]]
| Carrie's boyfriend
| 6
| 6.12–6.20
| 9
|-
| [[Ron Livingston]]
| [[List of Sex and the City characters#Jack Berger|Jack Berger]]
| Carrie's boyfriend
| 5–6
| 5.05–6.06
| 8
|-
| [[Sean Palmer]]
| [[List of Sex and the City characters#Marcus Adant|Marcus Adant]]
| Stanford's boyfriend
| 5–6
| 5.04–6.18
| 8
|-
| [[Bridget Moynahan]]
| [[List of Sex and the City characters#Natasha Naginsky|Natasha Naginsky]]
| Mr. Big's second wife
| 2–3
| 2.17–3.17
| 7
|-
| [[Ben Weber (actor)|Ben Weber]]
| [[Skipper Johnston]]
| Miranda's boyfriend
| 1–2
| 1.01–2.14
| 7
|-
| [[Blair Underwood]]
| [[List of Sex and the City characters#Robert Leeds|Dr. Robert E. Leeds]]
| Miranda's boyfriend
| 6
| 6.09–6.14
| 5
|-
| [[Candice Bergen]]
| [[List of Sex and the City characters#Enid Frick|Enid Mead / Enid Frick]]
| Carrie's publisher at ''Vogue''
| 4–6
| 4.17-6.18
| 3
|-
| [[Sônia Braga]]
| [[List of Sex and the City characters#Maria Diega Reyes|Maria Diega Reyes]]
| Samantha's girlfriend
| 4
| 4.03–4.05
| 3
|}