Rear Window

Being stuck at home for weeks with a broken leg, Jefferies finds entertainment by watching the lives of his neighbors. Despite never having dialogue with these neighbors (except Thorwald), Jefferies' observations help develop these characters as important parts of the story. Furthermore, watching the other tennants in his apartment building serves to define the relationship Jefferies has with Lisa.

-Miss Torso, a beautiful dancer, has many suitors working for her affection. However, throughout the movie she never shows interest in any of them. It is only at the end of the movie that her wayward soldier boyfriend returns home. They look like a very mismatched couple, but appear to be very happy. In comparison to the relationship between Jefferies and Lisa, Miss Torso clearly represents Lisa. Being a gorgeous, successful woman, Lisa can have any man she wants but chooses Jefferies. Throughout the movie Jefferies argues that he and Lisa live very different lives and she would not be happy living his lifestyle. Despite being rejected constantly by Jefferies, Lisa eventually wins him over. In the end, they make a very happy, mismatched couple, similar to Miss Torso and her boyfriend.
-Miss Lonelyhearts is a depressed middle aged single woman. Despite her best efforts, she cannot find a man to love her and contemplates suicide through the movie. This depression can be directly compared to Lisa's frustration with Jefferies. Rejecting her every advance, Jefferies refuses to commit to Lisa. Lonelyhearts represents what Lisa's life could become if Jefferies continues to reject her.
-Mr. Composer has a similar function. Being a lonely bachelor, Mr. Composer writes music or gets drunk in his studio apartment. Mr. Composer represents what Jefferies' life could become if he does not commit to Lisa. As a photographer, Jefferies can relate to Mr. Composer as an artist.
-The Newlyweds represent Jefferies fear of marriage/commitment. At the beginning of the movie, the newlyweds are completely in love with each other. However as time goes on, the groom is constantly going to his window in an effort to get away for a little while. Signs of pain and annoyance can be seen in his face when his wife calls him back to bed. Eventually an argument between the two can even be heard in Jefferies apartment. Witnessing this, Jefferies is afraid of what might happen if he marries Lisa.
-The Thorwalds are the worst example of a relationship in view of Jefferies' rear window. Murdering his bedridden wife, Mr. Thorwald is clearly not satisfied with married life. Ironically, it is this heinous act of violence that brings Jefferies and Lisa together. Jefferies is left compeltely helpless in his wheelchair and could not have solved the crime without Lisa's help. Watching Lisa put herself in harms way to get to the bottom of the mystery, Jefferies realizes that she is perfect for him and that he loves her.

All the tenants in Jefferies' bulidng tell a story of love or a relationship. Each having a unique story, these tennants' situations shed light on the relationship between Jeffereies and Lisa. It is only through watching these characters that they unite at the end of the story. It could even be said that they would not have ended up together if Thorwald had not killed his wife.