Character Relationship Map: Sisters

Characters

• Maura Ellis (played by Amy Poehler) — protagonist

  A recently divorced, responsible nurse who returns to her childhood Orlando home to clean it for sale. She secretly houses her niece Haley, invites high school friends for a chaotic party, and later r...

• Brinda (played by Maya Rudolph) — supporting

  Kate's former high school rival who feels slighted by not receiving a party invitation. She initially causes trouble by calling the police but eventually reconciles with Kate. By the end, she becomes...

• Haley (played by Madison Davenport) — supporting
• Dave (played by John Leguizamo) — supporting

  A childhood friend of the sisters who is tasked with bringing drug dealer Pazuzu to the high school reunion party, helping escalate the event's chaotic atmosphere.

• James (played by Ike Barinholtz) — supporting

  A man the sisters initially flirt with, whom Kate recruits to attend the party. He shares an awkward, interrupted conversation with Maura and accidentally breaks her childhood music box during the cei...

• Pazuzu (played by John Cena) — supporting

  A drug dealer invited to the high school reunion party by Dave. His presence contributes to the increasingly wild and out-of-control atmosphere of the gathering.

Canonical Relationships

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

• Dave → Pazuzu (Professional Facilitator) — Dave serves as the connection that brings Pazuzu into the gathering.

  Maura and the other hosts ask Dave to invite Pazuzu, described in the plot as a drug dealer, to the party.

• Maura Ellis → James (Romantic Interest) — Their awkward attraction develops into a romantic relationship by the ending.

  Maura and James try to talk at the party, later leave together, and eventually begin dating.

• Maura Ellis → Haley (Family Aunt And Niece) — Maura provides Haley with a home and tries to protect her from family instability.

  The character profile identifies Haley as Maura's niece, and the plot states that Haley secretly lives with Maura.

Story Dynamics

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

• Maura Ellis → Brinda (Conflict Party Adversary) — Brinda's resentment creates an external obstacle for Maura's party plans.

  Maura helps organize the party from which Brinda is excluded, while Brinda arrives uninvited and later calls in a noise complaint.

Story Analysis

Two sisters confront family secrets, damaged expectations, and a collapsing childhood home before rebuilding their lives together.

Plot Progression

1. A House Awaiting Closure — Maura returns to the family home after her divorce and discovers that the property has already been sold. She agrees to one final party before completing the cleanup.
2. Plans for One Last Party — The party preparations create opportunities for new beginnings and old rivalries. Haley's secret connection to Maura adds emotional pressure beneath the comedy.
3. Celebration Without Control — The classmates' gathering grows from restrained socializing into an unruly party after more guests and Pazuzu arrive. Brinda's complaint briefly brings outside pressure.
4. Secrets Beneath the Noise — Haley's arrival exposes the emotional consequences of the party and Maura's hidden caregiving arrangement. Property damage, the broken music box, and family revelations deepen the conflict.
5. Sinkhole and Second Chances — The pool collapses into a sinkhole, forcing an emergency rescue and ending the party. The sisters reconcile, repair the house, and move toward new professional and romantic futures.