Phil Potter (played by Burt Reynolds) is a protagonist in Starting Over.
Newly divorced protagonist who relocates from New York to Boston. He joins a support group, navigates dating with Marilyn, and faces a crisis when his ex-wife Jessica returns. Ultimately realizes his true feelings and returns to Boston to reconcile with Marilyn. Paul (played by Austin Pendleton) appears in Starting Over.
A fellow attendee at the divorced-men workshop in a church basement. Shares similar post-divorce experiences with Phil and participates in the group discussions. Marie (played by Mary Kay Place) appears in Starting Over.
Marilyn's friend and a single mother. Phil dates her but does not reciprocate her romantic interest, which helps him clarify his feelings for Marilyn.
Starting Over (1979) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Phil Potter
(played by Burt Reynolds) — protagonist
Newly divorced protagonist who relocates from New York to Boston. He joins a support group, navigates dating with Marilyn, and faces a crisis when his ex-wife Jessica returns. Ultimately realizes his...
Paul
(played by Austin Pendleton) — supporting
A fellow attendee at the divorced-men workshop in a church basement. Shares similar post-divorce experiences with Phil and participates in the group discussions.
Marie
(played by Mary Kay Place) — supporting
Marilyn's friend and a single mother. Phil dates her but does not reciprocate her romantic interest, which helps him clarify his feelings for Marilyn.
Key Relationships
Phil Potter → Marie
(Romantic Failed Date)
Phil Potter → Paul
(Social Workshop Peer)
Story Analysis
A divorced man navigates post-breakup life, romantic missteps, and ultimately finds true love through self-reflection and persistence.
