Character Relationship Map: Second Fiddle

Characters

• Deborah (played by Adrienne Corri) — protagonist

  A talented jingle writer and executive at Pontifex Advertising Agency. Engaged to Charles, she faces anxiety over the company's restrictive policy on married women. Her demanding New York assignment s...

• Charles (played by Thorley Walters) — supporting

  A print advertisement creator and Deborah's fiancé (later husband). He initially holds traditional views about supporting a housewife but struggles when Deborah's career demands take precedence. He be...

• Pauline (played by Lisa Gastoni) — supporting

  Charles's attractive secretary who flatters him and spends time with him outside work while Deborah is away in New York. Her behavior temporarily diverts Charles's attention from his marriage.

Canonical Relationships

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

• Charles → Pauline (Professional Employer And Secretary) — Pauline works directly for Charles at the agency.

  Pauline is explicitly described as Charles's secretary while Deborah is away in New York.

• Deborah → Charles (Romantic Fiancé) — Their engagement develops into marriage despite career and communication pressures.

  The plot identifies Deborah and Charles as an engaged couple who marry after Deborah's New York assignment.

Story Dynamics

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

• Deborah → Pauline (Conflict Indirect Rival) — Their connection is indirect, mediated through Charles's temporary distraction.

  Pauline's attention to Charles becomes a complication while Deborah is away working in New York.

Story Analysis

A married couple struggles to balance professional ambition, workplace discrimination, emotional distance, and an unexpected family future.

Plot Progression

1. Love Under Company Rules — Deborah and Charles are introduced as engaged executives at Pontifex. Deborah's anxiety grows when she learns that the company employs only single women.
2. The New York Assignment — Deborah receives an urgent jingle assignment and is sent to New York. The work threatens to overwhelm the couple's plans before their wedding.
3. Marriage Across Distance — After marrying, Deborah immediately returns to New York for the campaign. Charles becomes frustrated by the limited correspondence and Pauline's attention.
4. The Policy Battle — The staff campaigns against Pontifex's restriction on married women. The board debate becomes urgent because the company risks losing Deborah.
5. A Changed Future — The company changes its employment policy and the staff celebrates. Deborah and Charles later return home, where an important letter, client gifts, and a pregnancy announcement close the story.