Character Relationship Map: Outward Bound

Characters

• Tom Prior (played by Leslie Howard) — protagonist

  A prodigal son who discovers he is traveling on the ship alongside his ex-boss, Mr. Lingley, and his estranged mother, Mrs. Midget, whose identity he initially does not recognize.

• Henry (played by Douglas Fairbanks Jr.) — supporting

  A young lover who attempted suicide alongside Ann. He hovers in limbo on the ship but is ultimately saved from gas poisoning when his dog breaks a window, leading to his and Ann's revival and rescue.

• Mrs. Midget (played by Beryl Mercer) — supporting

  The mother of Tom Prior, traveling on the ship. Her identity is initially unknown to her son, and she is curious about his well-being.

• Ann (played by Helen Chandler) — supporting

  A young lover who planned a joint suicide with Henry due to an impossible love affair. She hovers in limbo on the ship but is revived when Henry calls out to her, leading to their joint rescue.

• Scrubby (played by Alec B. Francis) — supporting

  The ship's steward who chats with Mrs. Cliveden-Banks. He was condemned to sail the vessel for eternity as punishment for his own past suicide.

• Mrs. Cliveden-Banks (played by Alison Skipworth) — supporting

  An affected socialite traveling on the ship who engages in conversation with the steward, Scrubby.

Canonical Relationships

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

• Tom Prior → Mrs. Midget (Family Mother-Son)
• Henry → Ann (Romantic Lovers)

Story Dynamics

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

• Mrs. Midget → Mrs. Cliveden-Banks (Alliance Fellow Traveler)
• Tom Prior → Mrs. Cliveden-Banks (Alliance Fellow Traveler)
• Henry → Scrubby (Narrative Rescuer Vs Condemned)
• Mrs. Cliveden-Banks → Henry (Alliance Fellow Traveler)
• Mrs. Midget → Ann (Alliance Fellow Traveler)
• Ann → Tom Prior (Alliance Fellow Traveler)
• Henry → Tom Prior (Alliance Fellow Traveler)
• Mrs. Cliveden-Banks → Scrubby (Social Passenger-Steward)

Story Analysis

A supernatural voyage where deceased passengers confront their pasts and face divine judgment.

Plot Progression

1. The Suicide Pact
2. Voyage of the Dead
3. Crisis in Limbo
4. Return to Life