<Ul> <Li> Narrator : A character not of the time or place of the action . The Narrator tells the story through word and song , guiding the audience gently through the story of Joseph and his brothers , usually gives meaning to the story with his / her words . In early productions this character was usually played by a man ; later productions have featured a woman in the role . </Li> <Li> Jacob : The father of twelve sons , his favourite being Joseph . At times he may appear unfair and shallow , but he is , more importantly , the prophet who recognises the future and the calling of Joseph , thus saving the House of Israel . Usually doubles as Potiphar . </Li> <Li> Joseph : Eleventh son of Jacob . Obviously his father 's favourite , Joseph early on shows a talent for interpreting dreams and telling the future . This gets him into trouble with his brothers when he predicts his future will include ruling over the other eleven . However , it saves his life when in Egypt he correctly interprets Pharaoh 's dreams . In the end he has risen to a great position of power , but he still forgives his brothers and brings his family to Egypt to partake of the bounty he has accumulated there . </Li> <Li> Ishmaelites : Men of the desert , they buy Joseph as a slave , take him to Egypt , and sell him to Potiphar . </Li> <Li> Potiphar : A powerful and rich Egyptian , Potiphar purchases Joseph and puts him to work in his household , where he soon realises that Joseph is honest , hard - working , and a great addition to his pool of help . When he grows suspicious of Mrs. Potiphar and Joseph , however , he grows angry and has Joseph thrown into prison . Usually played by the actor playing Jacob . </Li> <Li> Mrs. Potiphar : Beautiful and scheming , Mrs. Potiphar tries to seduce Joseph , but is unsuccessful . However , she does manage to rip off much of his clothing just as her husband comes into the room , thus condemning him to prison . Also plays one of the wives . </Li> <Li> Baker : One of Pharaoh servants , the Baker is in prison with Joseph who correctly interprets his dreams and predicts that he will be put to death . Played by one of the brothers . </Li> <Li> Butler : Another of Pharaoh servants , the Butler is also in prison with Joseph who also correctly interprets his dreams , this time that he will be released and taken back into Pharaoh 's household . It is the Butler who tells Pharaoh about Joseph and his uncanny ability with dreams . Played by one of the brothers . </Li> <Li> Pharaoh : The most powerful man in Egypt , Pharaoh is considered a god on earth . When Joseph interprets his dreams , he promotes him to one of the highest positions in his government . In most productions , Pharaoh is portrayed as an Elvis Presley - style figure . Sometimes played by one of the brothers . </Li> <Li> Joseph 's Eleven Brothers : Although acting usually as a group , they each have their own different personalities , talents , and flaws . As a group they sell Joseph into slavery , but as individuals they deal with the following years and how they can make amends . They sing and dance their way through many situations and places . The brothers also double as Egyptians and servants of Potiphar . <Ul> <Li> Reuben : Eldest son of Jacob . Takes the lead on `` One More Angel in Heaven '' </Li> <Li> Simeon : Second son of Jacob . Takes the lead on `` Those Canaan Days '' </Li> <Li> Levi : Third son of Jacob . </Li> <Li> Judah : Fourth son of Jacob . Takes the lead on `` Benjamin Calypso '' . </Li> <Li> Dan : Fifth son of Jacob . </Li> <Li> Naphtali : Sixth son of Jacob . </Li> <Li> Gad : Seventh son of Jacob . </Li> <Li> Asher : Eighth son of Jacob . </Li> <Li> Issachar : Ninth son of Jacob . </Li> <Li> Zebulun : Tenth son of Jacob . </Li> <Li> Benjamin : Twelfth son of Jacob . Joseph accuses him of stealing the golden cup . </Li> </Ul> </Li> <Li> The Wives : The wives of Jacob . The actresses playing the wives also double as Egyptians and servants of Potiphar . </Li> <Li> Adult chorus </Li> <Li> Children 's chorus </Li> </Ul>
female roles in joseph and the technicolor dreamcoat
Narrator Mrs. Potiphar The Wives Adult chorus Children 's chorus