Cathy Hiatt is a fictional character from the musical Rent, created by Jonathan Larson. She is portrayed as a struggling actress who is deeply in love with Mimi Marquez, a dancer. Cathy is known for her passionate and optimistic personality, often expressing her dreams and aspirations through song. In the story, Cathy faces various challenges, including the impact of HIV/AIDS on her community and the struggles of pursuing a career in the arts. Her character represents the hopes and hardships of young artists in New York City during the late 1980s and early 1990s.