Character Relationship Map: Junior

Characters

• Dr. Alex Hesse (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) — protagonist

  An Austrian research geneticist and co-inventor of the miscarriage-prevention drug Expectane. When human testing is blocked, Alex secretly impregnates himself with the ovum codenamed Junior. He choose...

• Dr. Larry Arbogast (played by Danny DeVito) — protagonist

  Alex's OB/GYN colleague and research partner, Larry proposes the unconventional experiment and persuades Alex to become its volunteer. He initially helps conceal the pregnancy, later presents the data...

• Dr. Diana Reddin (played by Emma Thompson) — supporting

  A geneticist from the ovum cryogenics department who provides support for the research and later discovers that the Junior ovum is hers. Although initially shocked and angry, Diana reconciles with Ale...

• Noah Banes (played by Frank Langella) — supporting

  The laboratory director who informs Larry about the FDA's refusal and the donation connected to Diana's department. After learning about Alex's labor, Banes summons the media in an attempt to claim cr...

• Angela (played by Pamela Reed) — supporting

  Larry's ex-wife, who is pregnant at the same time as Alex after becoming pregnant by another man's personal trainer. She learns Alex's secret, accompanies Larry during the media distraction, and goes...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Dr. Larry Arbogast → Dr. Diana Reddin (Professional Medical Collaborator) — They coordinate separate medical and delivery emergencies surrounding the births.

  Larry arranges Alex's emergency operation while Diana assists Angela with labor and then rushes to see the baby.

• Dr. Larry Arbogast → Angela (Romantic Former Spouse) — Their past marriage becomes a renewed family partnership.

  The plot identifies Angela as Larry's ex-wife, and they reconcile after Larry delivers her child.

• Noah Banes → Dr. Larry Arbogast (Power Institutional Superior) — Banes initially holds organizational authority over Larry's research environment.

  Banes is the laboratory director and informs Larry about the research situation and available donation.

• Dr. Alex Hesse → Dr. Diana Reddin (Romantic Partner) — Their relationship develops into a romantic and family partnership.

  Alex develops a relationship with Diana, and they later reconcile by affirming that she is the mother and he is the father.

• Dr. Alex Hesse → Dr. Larry Arbogast (Professional Research Colleague) — They are scientific colleagues whose shared research drives the central experiment.

  The plot identifies Alex as Larry's OB/GYN colleague, and together they invent the fertility drug Expectane.

Story Dynamics

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

• Dr. Alex Hesse → Angela (Social Pregnancy Confidant) — Their shared pregnancies create a personal connection and mutual understanding.

  Alex reveals his pregnancy to Angela, who is also pregnant.

• Angela → Dr. Diana Reddin (Alliance Delivery Support) — Diana provides direct emotional and practical support during Angela's labor.

  Diana finds Angela in labor and becomes her delivery coach while Angela experiences contractions.

• Noah Banes → Dr. Alex Hesse (Conflict Credit Rival) — Banes exploits Alex's pregnancy to advance his own public standing.

  Banes summons the media hoping to take credit for the world's first pregnant man, while Alex is undergoing the operation.

• Dr. Diana Reddin → Noah Banes (Conflict Professional Rival) — Their interests clash over scientific credit and control of the experiment.

  Diana is stunned and angry when Banes attempts to take credit for the experiment involving her ovum.

Story Analysis

An unauthorized fertility experiment transforms scientific ambition into an unconventional story of pregnancy, parenthood, and family reconciliation.

Plot Progression

1. The Forbidden Fertility Trial — Alex and Larry create Expectane, but FDA restrictions prevent authorized human testing. Larry then persuades Alex to become the experimental subject.
2. An Unexpected Pregnancy — Alex develops pregnancy symptoms and begins emotionally accepting fatherhood. He chooses to continue the experiment secretly, with Larry protecting the secret.
3. The Ovum Revealed — Alex grows closer to Diana and confides in Angela. Diana learns that the Junior ovum is hers, while Banes tries to claim ownership of the achievement.
4. Retreat Before The Birth — Alex hides at a retreat for expectant mothers, and Diana eventually reconciles with him. Larry releases the data and secures a pharmaceutical partnership.
5. Two Deliveries And A Family — Alex's labor triggers a race against Banes's publicity scheme. Alex gives birth to Junior, Larry delivers Angela's child, and both families reunite.