Character Relationship Map: Only Two Can Play

Characters

• John Lewis (played by Peter Sellers) — protagonist

  A poorly paid librarian and occasional drama critic whose professional frustration drives him to seek a better job. He becomes involved in an unconsummated affair with Liz, loses Ieuan's friendship af...

• Liz (played by Mai Zetterling) — supporting

  An attractive designer for the local amateur dramatic company and the wife of a local councillor. She openly attracts John, offers to use her husband's influence to help him obtain a better job, and d...

• Ieuan Jenkins (played by Kenneth Griffith) — supporting

  John's colleague and best friend, who has a role in the local theatre production written by Gareth. John damages their friendship when he leaves the production early for an assignation with Liz and su...

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• John Lewis → Liz (Romantic Attraction) — Their mutual attraction drives the central emotional conflict.

  Liz makes it clear that she is attracted to John, and John is easily seduced into an affair with her.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• John Lewis → Ieuan Jenkins (Social Best Friends) — Their friendship gives John's professional life an important personal connection.

  The plot describes Ieuan as John's colleague and best friend.

Story Analysis

A professionally frustrated librarian is pulled between ambition, temptation, friendship, and the need to regain personal independence.

Plot Progression

1. A Job Beyond Reach — John is introduced as an underpaid librarian and occasional drama critic. A better-paid position appears, but he hesitates until he is persuaded to apply.
2. Temptation Behind the Curtain — John meets Liz through the local amateur theatre company. Her promise of professional help and obvious attraction draw him into an unconsummated affair.
3. Fire and Exposure — John leaves the theatre early and submits a bogus review. The theatre burns down, and the consequences expose his affair and damage his friendship with Ieuan.
4. Breaking the Leverage — John receives the job he sought but understands the control attached to Liz's assistance. He ends the affair and chooses a mobile librarian position instead.