Character Relationship Map: Fatal Attraction

Characters

• Dan Gallagher (played by Michael Douglas) — protagonist

  Manhattan attorney who has a brief affair with Alex Forrest. After ending the relationship, he faces her violent stalking and harassment. He attempts to protect his family through legal means, falsely...

• Alexandra "Alex" Forrest (played by Glenn Close) — protagonist

  Publishing company editor who begins an obsessive affair with Dan. After rejection, she escalates to stalking, property damage, and psychological terror. She kidnaps Dan's daughter, attacks both Dan a...

• Beth Gallagher (played by Anne Archer) — supporting

  Dan's wife who returns from a trip to discover Alex's harassment. After Dan confesses, she initially orders him out but later forgives him. She fiercely defends her family, threatens Alex over the pho...

• Ellen Gallagher (played by Ellen Hamilton Latzen) — supporting

  Dan and Beth's young daughter. She is initially away visiting family, but later becomes the target of Alex's obsession. Her pet rabbit is boiled by Alex, and she is briefly kidnapped to an amusement p...

Key Relationships

• Dan Gallagher → Ellen Gallagher (Family Father)
• Alexandra "Alex" Forrest → Ellen Gallagher (Conflict Kidnapper)
• Alexandra "Alex" Forrest → Beth Gallagher (Conflict Rival)
• Beth Gallagher → Ellen Gallagher (Family Mother)
• Dan Gallagher → Beth Gallagher (Family Husband)
• Dan Gallagher → Alexandra "Alex" Forrest (Romantic Former Lovers)

Story Analysis

A Manhattan attorney's brief affair spirals into a deadly stalking nightmare that threatens his family.

Plot Progression

1. The Affair and First Rejection
2. Escalating Stalking and Legal Failure
3. Family Shattered and Child Taken
4. Hospital Reunion and Final Stand