<P> The play is written for eight actors, each of whom plays two or more roles . Kushner's doubling, as indicated in the published script, requires several of the actors to play the opposite gender . </P> <P> There are eight main characters: </P> <P> Prior Walter--A gay man with AIDS . Throughout the play, he experiences various heavenly visions . When the play begins, he is dating Louis Ironson . His best friend is a nurse named Belize . </P> <P> Louis Ironson--Prior's boyfriend . Unable to deal with Prior's disease, he ultimately abandons him . He meets Joe Pitt and later begins a relationship with him . </P>

What is the role of the angel in angels in america