Character Relationship Map: Bad Sisters

Characters

• Eva Garvey (played by Sharon Horgan) — protagonist

  One of Grace's sisters living in Dublin. She joins the plot to murder their repulsive brother-in-law, John Paul, and becomes central to the subsequent life insurance investigation.

• Ursula Flynn (played by Eva Birthistle) — supporting

  One of Grace's sisters residing in Dublin. She participates in the conspiracy to kill John Paul and is investigated following his unexpected death.

• Bibi Garvey (played by Sarah Greene) — supporting

  One of Grace's sisters living in Dublin. She is involved in the plot to murder their controlling brother-in-law and is drawn into the insurance investigation.

• Becka Garvey (played by Eve Hewson) — supporting

  One of Grace's sisters based in Dublin. She conspires with her sisters to kill John Paul and becomes entangled in the investigation into his death.

• Ian Reilly (played by Owen McDonnell) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

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

• Eva Garvey → Bibi Garvey (Strategic Sisters) — Dynamic partnership balancing risk-taking with caution, united by shared history and present-day survival needs.

  "S1E5 details Bibi's dangerous birthday plot while S1E6 shows sisters regrouping; S2E5 notes joint planning with Angelica."

• Ursula Flynn → Bibi Garvey (Solidarity Sisters) — Steadfast sibling connection reinforced by shared victimhood and collective resilience against mounting pressures.

  "S1E6 shows regrouping and shared fears; S2E3 notes both reeling from a devastating event while maintaining group cohesion."

• Bibi Garvey → Becka Garvey (Coordinated Sisters) — Sibling dynamic that balances contrasting temperaments into synchronized action when facing external threats.

  "S1E5 and S1E8 show differing strategies; S2E5 details taking next steps in a plan together."

• Ursula Flynn → Becka Garvey (United Sisters) — Consistent sibling alliance focused on information gathering and mutual defense across both seasons.

  "S1E6 highlights shared fears; S2E4 describes sisters hunting blackmailer evidence together."

• Eva Garvey → Ursula Flynn (Decision Maker & Follower) — Hierarchical sibling dynamic where Eva assumes leadership during crises, with Ursula relying on her guidance.

  "S1E3 and S1E10 show Eva making critical calls; S2E5 notes Eva putting a target on their backs."

Story Dynamics

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

• Eva Garvey → Ian Reilly (Operational Partners) — Functional alliance built on mutual assistance and shared secrets, deepening through covert cooperation.

  "S2E6 explicitly states Ian helps cover tracks, bringing him closer to Eva while drawing police attention."

• Eva Garvey → Becka Garvey (Protagonist & Skeptic) — Narrative tension between Eva's authoritative stance and Becka's questioning nature, resolving into shared purpose.

  "S1E8 states Becka wants to prove Eva wrong; S2E4 shows Becka receiving news while Eva manages the group."

• Ursula Flynn → Ian Reilly (Support Network) — Practical support link where Ian's assistance helps stabilize Ursula during moments of crisis.

  "S2E6 mentions Ian covering tracks; S2E3 notes Ursula hitting a breaking point during the investigation."

• Bibi Garvey → Ian Reilly (Tactical Allies) — Functional cooperation where Ian's cover-up efforts directly support Bibi's need to avoid detection.

  "S2E5 states sisters take steps to stay out of trouble; S2E6 confirms Ian helps cover tracks."

• Becka Garvey → Ian Reilly (Covert Collaborators) — Quiet partnership where Ian's operational help allows Becka to navigate personal upheaval without police interference.

  "S2E4 shows Becka shaken by news; S2E6 details Ian covering tracks to keep sisters out of trouble."

Story Analysis

Overall narrative architecture across both seasons tracking the Garvey sisters' survival against escalating threats.

Plot Progression

1. S1: Aftermath & Investigation — The series opens with the discovery of John Paul's death, immediately triggering insurance inquiries and police scrutiny. The sisters navigate initial interrogations while confronting the lingering da...
2. S1: Plots & Regrouping — Flashbacks reveal a sinister plot taking shape in the past, contrasting with present-day regrouping efforts. Bibi proposes a dangerous birthday scheme while Becka struggles with regret and distrust. T...
3. S1: Revelations & Climax — Becka successfully challenges Eva's assumptions, forcing a painful reality check upon the group. Shocking secrets surface as time runs out for the sisters to resolve the escalating crisis. The season...
4. S2: New Suspicion & Tensions — Two years later, the sisters experience temporary peace until a grisly discovery reignites police suspicion. Grace's erratic behavior and Angelica's provocative presence further destabilize the group....
5. S2: Cover-Ups & Betrayals — Convinced a blackmailer drives the tragedy, the sisters hunt for evidence while Becka processes life-changing news. Ian Reilly assists in covering tracks, drawing police spotlight and deepening his bo...
6. S2: Final Confrontation — Eva places a target on the sisters' backs to neutralize the threat, escalating the stakes to a critical level. Detectives clash internally, creating tactical openings for the sisters' operations. The...