Character Relationship Map: Up Pops the Devil

Characters

• Barney Hatfield (played by Richard 'Skeets' Gallagher) — protagonist
• Stranger (played by Stuart Erwin) — supporting
• Anne Merrick (played by Carole Lombard) — supporting

  Steve Merrick's wife, whose marriage is upset and strained by his decision to leave advertising for a writing career.

• George Kent (played by Edward Nugent) — supporting
• Steve Merrick (played by Norman Foster) — supporting

  An advertising man who quits his job to become a novelist, serving as the protagonist whose career change drives the film's central conflict.

• Polly Griscom (played by Lilyan Tashman) — supporting
• Mr. Platt (played by Harry Beresford) — supporting
• Mrs. Platt (played by Effie Ellsler) — supporting
• Luella May Carroll (played by Joyce Compton) — supporting
• Gilbert Morrell (played by Theodore von Eltz) — supporting
• Mrs. Kent ("Sugar") (played by Eulalie Jensen) — supporting
• Minor Role (played by Marguerite Warner) — minor
• Stagehand (played by Paddy O'Flynn) — minor
• Subscription Boy (played by Matty Roubert) — minor
• Kelly, Bootlegger (played by Pat Moriarity) — minor
• Minor Role (played by Claire Dodd) — minor
• Laundryman (played by Willie Best) — minor
• Waldo, Handyman (played by Guy Oliver) — minor

Story Analysis

A pre-Code drama exploring how a career shift from advertising to novel writing strains a marriage.

Plot Progression

1. The Corporate Exit
2. Domestic Turmoil
3. Creative vs Practical
4. Marital Crossroads