Character Relationship Map: Desirable

Characters

• Lois Johnson (played by Jean Muir) — protagonist

  Lois arrives in New York after her school is quarantined and she cannot stay there. Helen welcomes her into her social circle, where she becomes close to Russell and becomes engaged to him. Although s...

• McAllister (played by George Brent) — supporting

  McAllister dismisses Helen's successful play as sentimental nonsense, yet helps Lois settle in and takes her to a dressmaker. He listens as Lois discusses her engagement to Russell and her hopes for m...

• Helen Walbridge (played by Verree Teasdale) — supporting

  Helen is an actress whose performance moves the theater audience, and the play's success keeps her busy alongside her frequent parties. She welcomes her visiting relative Lois but worries she may not...

• Austin (played by John Halliday) — supporting

  Austin has backed the production of Helen Walbridge's play and invites McAllister to a party. He jokes about his rivalry with the older man over Helen, placing him within the play's social circle and...

• Russell Gray (played by Charles Starrett) — supporting

  Russell becomes close to Lois as she joins Helen's social circle, and Lois eventually tells McAllister that she and Russell are engaged. Helen supports the match, calling Russell a kind young man from...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Austin → Helen Walbridge (Romantic Interest) — Austin's remark places Helen at the center of a joking rivalry between him and McAllister.

  Austin jokes with McAllister about their rivalry over Helen.

• Lois Johnson → McAllister (Romantic Unspoken Mutual Affection) — Lois's feelings for McAllister complicate her engagement, while McAllister responds warmly but encourages her to pursue happiness with Russell.

  Lois tells McAllister she had been thinking about him nearly all the time before becoming engaged to Russell. They later speak privately and go canoei...

• Lois Johnson → Russell Gray (Romantic Fiancés) — Lois becomes engaged to Russell, though she admits she had been thinking about McAllister and tries to convince herself that Russell is the man she loves.

  Lois tells McAllister that she and Russell are engaged. Helen also encourages the match.

Story Dynamics

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

• Austin → McAllister (Conflict Rivals) — Austin frames himself and McAllister as rivals over Helen, though the account presents the rivalry jokingly.

  Austin jokes about his rivalry with McAllister over Helen and invites him to a party.

• Helen Walbridge → Russell Gray (Social Match Encourager) — Helen supports Russell as a suitable partner for Lois and urges her to regard the match positively.

  Helen encourages Lois's engagement to Russell, describing him as kind and from a respected family.

• Helen Walbridge → Lois Johnson (Social Host And Guest) — Helen welcomes Lois into her social circle, though she worries that her theater work and frequent parties will make hosting difficult.

  Helen wants Lois to stay with her after Lois arrives in New York, and plans a tea in Lois's honor.

Story Analysis

Lois enters Helen's social world and faces uncertainty between her engagement to Russell and her feelings for McAllister.

Plot Progression

1. Theater Rivalries and Lois's Arrival — Helen's performance succeeds even as McAllister dismisses the play, and Austin jokes about rivalry over Helen. Lois arrives in New York after her school is quarantined, and Helen considers hosting her...
2. A New Place in Helen's Circle — McAllister helps Lois settle in and takes her to a dressmaker for Helen's tea. Lois enters Helen's social circle and grows close to Russell.
3. An Engagement and Divided Feelings — Helen suspects Lois is in love with Russell, and Lois later tells McAllister that she and Russell are engaged. Lois admits her thoughts had turned repeatedly to McAllister, while he responds warmly an...
4. Uncertain Hopes by the Water — Lois confides her concerns about the Gray family's strict propriety and shares her hopes for marriage and a home with children. McAllister reassures her, then the two go canoeing as the weather darken...