White plantation owner's son with an inferiority complex who makes rash decisions. Obsessed with jealousy over his wife Sylvia, he mistakenly believes she is having an affair with Hilary Carson and strangles him. After learning of his mixed-race heritage, he publicly embraces then denounces it during a campaign rally. Cornered by the police, he attempts suicide and ultimately surrenders.
Maxwell kills Hilary out of jealous obsession and attempts to stage the scene as a robbery.
Whittingham leads the murder investigation and applies psychological pressure on Maxwell through literary references.
David actively mobilizes opposition against Maxwell during his political campaign, leading to public humiliation.
Mavis is socially connected to Maxwell through her late husband's ties to the Fleury plantation family.
Both are white colonial figures navigating social hierarchy, with Maxwell feeling inferior to established elite status.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Island in the Sun