A 44-year-old Jewish atheist in New York with Asperger syndrome and social anxieties. He receives Mary's first letter, becomes her pen pal, experiences lottery winnings and personal growth, temporarily severs contact after a misunderstanding, later forgives her, and dies while treasuring their letters.
Their long-distance correspondence becomes the central emotional bond of the film.
Mary randomly chooses Max from a New York telephone book and sends him a letter. They continue corresponding for many years and become close friends.
Len's address functions as a practical channel for Max and Mary's correspondence.
Mary asks Max to redirect his letters to Len Hislop's address because of opposition to Max at home.
The encounter triggers Max's moral realization and prepares his decision to forgive Mary.
Max nearly chokes a homeless man in anger after the man throws a cigarette on the ground, then realizes that everyone is imperfect like himself.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of Mary and Max