Dr. Susan Wheeler (played by Geneviève Bujold) is a protagonist in Coma.
A surgical resident at Boston Memorial Hospital and the central investigator of the mystery. After Nancy Greenly and another healthy patient become brain dead during routine procedures, Susan traces the cases to operating room #8 and the Jefferson Institute. Her determination exposes the organ-trafficking scheme, though it puts her in direct danger from Dr. Harris and his accomplices. Dr. George (played by Rip Torn) appears in Coma.
The hospital’s chief of anesthesiology, whose authority is challenged when Susan Wheeler requests access to patient charts. He is offended by her questions and becomes one of the people Susan suspects of involvement in the coma cases. The plot later reveals that the identity associated with Dr. George is actually Dr. Harris. Dr. Harris (played by Richard Widmark) appears in Coma.
The hospital’s chief of surgery, who first reprimands Susan Wheeler for her conduct but also appears sympathetic to her grief and stress. He later reveals his true role by drugging Susan, arranging for her surgery, and trying to use operating room #8 to render her brain dead. Mark’s intervention allows police to arrest him. Kelly (played by Frank Downing) appears in Coma.
A hospital maintenance worker who confirms Susan Wheeler’s suspicion that the coma cases are connected to the hospital. After tipping her off, Kelly is fatally electrocuted by an unknown man. His warning leads Susan to search the basement, where she discovers the gas tank and ventilation line controlled by a radio signal. Nurse (played by Betty McGuire) appears in Coma.
Nancy Greenly (played by Lois Chiles) appears in Coma.
Susan Wheeler’s friend and a young, healthy patient who becomes brain dead after undergoing a routine procedure at Boston Memorial Hospital. Nancy later dies, and her death deepens Susan’s determination to investigate the hospital’s suspicious cases. Her postmortem examination also prompts Susan to ask how a coma could be deliberately induced.
Coma (1978) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Dr. Susan Wheeler
(played by Geneviève Bujold) — protagonist
A surgical resident at Boston Memorial Hospital and the central investigator of the mystery. After Nancy Greenly and another healthy patient become brain dead during routine procedures, Susan traces t...
Dr. George
(played by Rip Torn) — supporting
The hospital’s chief of anesthesiology, whose authority is challenged when Susan Wheeler requests access to patient charts. He is offended by her questions and becomes one of the people Susan suspects...
Dr. Harris
(played by Richard Widmark) — supporting
The hospital’s chief of surgery, who first reprimands Susan Wheeler for her conduct but also appears sympathetic to her grief and stress. He later reveals his true role by drugging Susan, arranging fo...
Kelly
(played by Frank Downing) — minor
A hospital maintenance worker who confirms Susan Wheeler’s suspicion that the coma cases are connected to the hospital. After tipping her off, Kelly is fatally electrocuted by an unknown man. His warn...
Nurse
(played by Betty McGuire) — minor
Nancy Greenly
(played by Lois Chiles) — supporting
Susan Wheeler’s friend and a young, healthy patient who becomes brain dead after undergoing a routine procedure at Boston Memorial Hospital. Nancy later dies, and her death deepens Susan’s determinati...
Canonical Relationships
Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.
Dr. Harris → Nancy Greenly
(Professional Medical Authority)
Nancy becomes brain dead after a routine procedure at the hospital, and Harris is identified as the chief of surgery involved in the hospital's surgic...
Dr. Susan Wheeler → Dr. Harris
(Professional Supervisor)
Dr. Harris, identified as the chief of surgery, reproaches Susan, warns that she could be dismissed, and requires her to speak with a psychiatrist.
Dr. George → Dr. Harris
(Meta Secret Identity)
Susan realizes that the person known as Dr. George is actually Dr. George Harris.
Story Dynamics
Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.
Dr. Harris → Kelly
(Conflict Institutional Opponent)
Kelly gives Susan information that confirms her suspicions, and he is subsequently fatally electrocuted by an unknown man connected to the conspiracy.
Dr. Susan Wheeler → Nurse
(Social Visitor And Guide)
At the Jefferson Institute, the nurse greets Susan, explains that the facility is closed to visitors, and mentions a physicians' tour.
Dr. Susan Wheeler → Kelly
(Alliance Informant)
Kelly tips Susan off that her suspicions are correct, prompting her to search the hospital basement.
Dr. Susan Wheeler → Dr. George
(Conflict Professional Adversary)
Susan offends the Chief of Anesthesiology by asking to review relevant patient charts.
Dr. Susan Wheeler → Nancy Greenly
(Social Friend)
The plot identifies Nancy Greenly as Susan's friend. Susan is devastated after Nancy becomes brain dead following a routine procedure.
Story Analysis
A surgical resident uncovers a hospital-linked organ trafficking conspiracy after healthy patients are rendered brain dead.
