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Book vs. Film: Which 'The Devil Wears Prada' Characters Are Better?

publication · 2026-04-24

A Vogue article compares characters from Lauren Weisberger's 2003 novel 'The Devil Wears Prada' to their film counterparts directed by David Frankel and adapted by Aline Brosh McKenna. Andy Sachs (Book: Brown graduate from Avon, CT; Film: Northwestern graduate, no hometown) is deemed better in the film for being less bratty and parting peaceably. Miranda Priestly (Book: Orthodox Jewish background from London, born Miriam Princhek; Film: American, humanized by Meryl Streep) wins in film due to Streep's performance. Emily Charlton (Book: red-haired, ambitious; Film: British, played by Emily Blunt) is preferred in film for her mean British charm. Nigel Kipling (Book: larger-than-life, catsuit; Film: played by Stanley Tucci, more story but depressing) wins in book for being fun. Nate/Alex Fineman (Book: Alex, teacher; Film: Nate, chef) is better in film as self-aware. Lily Goodwin (Book: Russian lit PhD, trainwreck; Film: gallery worker, underdeveloped) wins in book for interesting backstory.

Key facts

  • The Devil Wears Prada novel was published in 2003.
  • The film was directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna.
  • Book Andy Sachs graduated from Brown University.
  • Movie Andy Sachs graduated from Northwestern University.
  • Book Miranda Priestly is from an Orthodox Jewish family in London.
  • Film Miranda Priestly is played by Meryl Streep.
  • Film Emily Charlton is played by Emily Blunt.
  • Book Nigel Kipling is described as seven feet tall and wearing a denim catsuit.

Entities

Artists

  • Meryl Streep
  • Emily Blunt
  • Stanley Tucci
  • Anne Hathaway
  • Tracie Thoms
  • Rich Sommer

Institutions

  • Vogue
  • Runway
  • Brown University
  • Northwestern University
  • Columbia University
  • The New Yorker

Locations

  • Avon
  • Connecticut
  • London
  • Bronx
  • Paris
  • Harlem

Sources