Character Relationship Map: Up the River

Characters

• Saint Louis (played by Spencer Tracy) — protagonist

  A fellow inmate who initially clashes with Steve Jordan but gradually becomes his friend. After Steve is released, Saint Louis urges him to reject violence, recalling the fear and grief he witnessed o...

• Judy Fields (played by Claire Luce) — supporting

  An incarcerated woman whom Steve Jordan loves and becomes engaged to while they are both in prison. Steve promises to work hard and build a respectable future with her after their release. His dangero...

• Dannemora Dan (played by Warren Hymer) — supporting

  A convict who presents himself as a reformed sinner at a prison religious gathering, preaching forgiveness and warning that crime does not pay. His sermon becomes a furious confrontation with the man...

• Steve Jordan (played by Humphrey Bogart) — supporting

  The central convict character. He is in love with Judy, receives parole, returns to his hometown in New England, is coerced by the scam artist Frosby, plans to shoot Frosby when he defrauds his mother...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Steve Jordan → Judy Fields (Romantic Fiancees) — Their engagement and shared hope for a life outside prison motivate Steve to resist violence and keep his promise to wait for Judy's release.

  The plot says Steve becomes engaged to Judy and promises to build a respectable future with her after they are free.

Story Dynamics

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

• Saint Louis → Dannemora Dan (Alliance Prison Allies) — They act together to help Steve and return to prison after their intervention.

  The plot identifies both men as convicts who befriend Steve, escape prison to assist him, help recover stolen bonds, and return for the annual basebal...

• Dannemora Dan → Steve Jordan (Alliance Friend And Rescuer) — Dannemora Dan joins Saint Louis in helping Steve through a dangerous crisis and supports his chance to start over.

  The plot describes Dannemora Dan as one of the two convicts who befriend Steve and says he escapes prison to assist him and help recover stolen bonds.

• Saint Louis → Steve Jordan (Alliance Friend And Rescuer) — Saint Louis guides Steve away from a potentially destructive act and helps protect his chance at a future with Judy.

  Saint Louis urges Steve to abandon violence, takes away the gun Steve intended to use against Frosby, and helps his friends make sure Steve can begin...

Story Analysis

Prison friendships and love give Steve a chance to reject violence and pursue a life beyond prison.

Plot Progression

1. A Brief Escape — Two convicts escape and debate their plans, but an alarm ends the brief freedom. The story then shifts to the routines and tensions of Bensonatta prison.
2. Prison Bonds Form — Steve arrives at Bensonatta and initially clashes with Saint Louis, but their hostility softens. Prison routines and messages between the quarters lead toward Steve and Judy's engagement.
3. Hope Behind Walls — Steve and Judy promise each other a respectable future after prison. The inmates' entertainment and shared friendships provide a hopeful pause before Steve's parole.
4. The Gun and the Warning — Outside prison, Steve faces pressure from Frosby and plans to shoot him. Saint Louis intervenes, takes the gun, and invokes his memories of death row to dissuade Steve.
5. A Chance to Begin Again — Steve's friends help recover the bonds and leave before their presence can threaten his parole. Their farewell leaves Steve with the opportunity to honor his promise to Judy.