Melvin Udall — As Good as It Gets Character Profile

About Melvin Udall

A misanthropic, OCD-ridden bestselling romance novelist with rigid routines. He reluctantly cares for his neighbor's dog, forms a bond with his neighbor Simon, and gradually softens his acerbic personality while pursuing Carol. His journey involves overcoming compulsions and learning to express empathy and love.

Melvin Udall — Character Profile

Character Facts

Played by

Jack Nicholson

Appears in

As Good as It Gets (1997)

Role

Protagonist

Relationships (3)

• Melvin Udall — Alliance Car Lender — Frank Sachs (Cuba Gooding Jr.)

  Frank provides the vehicle necessary for the Baltimore journey, facilitating the alliance.

• Melvin Udall — Alliance Travel Companion — Simon Bishop (Greg Kinnear)

  Melvin and Simon become road trip partners, navigating personal growth together.

• Melvin Udall — Professional Waitress — Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt)

  Melvin is a difficult regular customer while Carol is the patient restaurant server.

Explore the full interactive character relationship map of As Good as It Gets

More characters from As Good as It Gets

• Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt)
• Simon Bishop (Greg Kinnear)
• Frank Sachs (Cuba Gooding Jr.)
• Dr. Green (Lawrence Kasdan)
• Beverly Connelly (Shirley Knight)
• Nora Manning (Lupe Ontiveros)
• Handyman (Brian Doyle-Murray)
• Neighbor Woman (Bibi Osterwald)
• Jackie Simpson (Yeardley Smith)
• Vincent Lopiano (Skeet Ulrich)
• Mother at Table (Kristi Zea)
• Spencer Connelly (Jesse James)