Character Relationship Map: Welcome

Characters

• Simon (played by Vincent Lindon) — protagonist

  Simon is a French swimming coach whose marriage to Marion is ending in divorce. He takes an interest in Bilal's dream of crossing the English Channel, gives him temporary refuge, and trains him throug...

• Bilal (played by Firat Ayverdi) — supporting

  Bilal is a young Iraqi-Kurd immigrant determined to cross the English Channel and reunite with his girlfriend, Mîna. Known as Bazda for his athletic ability and love of football, he registers for Simo...

• Marion (played by Audrey Dana) — supporting

  Marion is Simon's wife, although their marriage is breaking down and they are divorcing. Her relationship with Simon establishes the personal difficulties he faces while becoming involved in Bilal's s...

• Mîna (played by Derya Ayverdi) — supporting

  Mîna is Bilal's girlfriend in the United Kingdom, and reuniting with her is the central reason for his attempt to cross the English Channel. After Bilal drowns near the coast, Simon travels to inform...

• Mirko (played by Murat Subaşı) — supporting
• Le gradé chez Simon (played by Jean-Paul Comart) — supporting
• Le voisin de Simon (played by Patrick Ligardes) — minor

Canonical Relationships

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

• Simon → Marion (Family Estranged Spouses) — Their marriage is breaking down, and Simon's involvement in helping Bilal adds strain to their relationship.

  The character profile identifies Marion as Simon's wife and says they are divorcing. The reference says Simon's actions helping migrants strain their...

• Bilal → Mîna (Romantic Boyfriend And Girlfriend) — Bilal's determination to reach England is driven by his hope of reuniting with Mîna, even after her family says she no longer wants his calls.

  The reference says Bilal calls Mîna because he hopes to tell her he will soon cross to England, and that reuniting with her is his reason for attempti...

Story Dynamics

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

• Simon → Le voisin de Simon (Conflict Accuser) — The neighbor is among those who accuse Simon of sheltering migrants as Simon continues to help Bilal.

  The reference says Simon's neighbors accuse him of sheltering migrants.

• Simon → Le gradé chez Simon (Conflict Subject Of Police Inquiry) — The officer questions Simon and warns him about the legal consequences of helping migrants; Simon later admits his role to the authorities.

  The reference says a police officer questions Simon about transporting migrants and warns him that helping them is a criminal offense.

• Simon → Mîna (Narrative Messenger) — Simon carries the news of Bilal's death to Mîna, connecting her to the tragic outcome of Bilal's attempt.

  Simon’s character profile says that after Bilal's death, he travels to inform Mîna.

• Bilal → Mirko (Social Informal Adviser) — Mirko advises Bilal about the dangers of attempting to cross without a smuggler; Bilal also asks him for a loan.

  Mirko warns Bilal that trains are too fast and trucks are dangerous because of police dogs, and says Bilal needs a smuggler.

• Simon → Bilal (Alliance Protector And Trainee) — Simon supports Bilal's attempted crossing by providing swimming lessons, temporary refuge, and a wetsuit, accepting legal scrutiny for his help.

  Simon trains Bilal to swim, gives him a wetsuit, and shelters him. Simon later admits to the authorities that he sheltered and trained Bilal and gave...

Story Analysis

Bilal's attempt to reach England and reunite with Mîna intertwines with Simon's choice to help him despite personal and legal consequences.

Plot Progression

1. A Crossing Without Means — Bilal reaches Calais determined to get to England and reunite with Mîna. The price of passage and the dangers of informal routes leave him searching for help.
2. Lessons and Shelter — Simon meets Bilal, teaches him to swim, gives him a wetsuit, and shelters him. Simon's assistance draws police scrutiny while Bilal faces pressure over money owed to a smuggler.
3. Pressure Closes In — Bilal persists despite hearing that Mîna no longer wants his calls, while Simon's marriage is strained by his actions. A police raid disperses a migrant gathering, but Simon continues to help.
4. The Channel and Its Cost — Bilal attempts the crossing by swimming and is rescued after five hours in icy water. Simon admits his involvement to the authorities, is released on bail with restrictions, and Bilal's fate remains i...