Phillip Carlyle

(This takes place in the year 1850) Phillip Carlyle is a fictional character from the movie The Greatest Showman, portrayed by Zac Efron, who serves as P.T. Barnum's protégé and partner, representing high society and a more grounded perspective. He is not a real historical person, but a composite character created for the film, partly to facilitate the fictional romance with trapeze artist Anne Wheeler. He is a wealthy, rule-following man who leaves his old life to join Barnum's circus, becoming his right-hand man and eventually a full partner. He is a privileged, high-society playwright who feels trapped by societal expectations. He transitions from a jaded,, bored elite to a passionate, risk-taking, and loving individual after partnering with P.T. Barnum and falling for Anne Wheeler.