Character Relationship Map: Enter Laughing

Characters

• Harrison B. Marlowe (played by José Ferrer) — supporting

  Harrison B. Marlowe runs the Off-Broadway theater company that David joins. His company charges David five dollars a week for tuition, and Marlowe is hostile toward him as David struggles with his lac...

• Mr. Foreman (played by Jack Gilford) — supporting

  Mr. Foreman is David Kolowitz's employer at the machine shop, where David works as a delivery boy and assistant. He initially has misgivings about David's decision to pursue acting, representing oppos...

• Wanda (played by Janet Margolin) — supporting

  Wanda is David Kolowitz's girlfriend. She initially has misgivings about his decision to pursue acting and join an Off-Broadway theater company, placing her among the people closest to him who questio...

• Marvin (played by Michael J. Pollard) — supporting

  Marvin is David Kolowitz's friend and encourages him to become involved with an Off-Broadway theater company. His suggestion helps set David's pursuit of acting in motion, despite the objections of Da...

• David Kolowitz (played by Reni Santoni) — supporting

  David is the central character, a New York machine-shop delivery boy and assistant in 1938 who is fascinated by movies. Encouraged by his friend Marvin, he joins Harrison B. Marlowe's theater company...

Canonical Relationships

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

• David Kolowitz → Harrison B. Marlowe (Professional Acting Student) — David becomes a student in Marlowe's theatrical operation.

  David joins the Off-Broadway theater company run by Harrison B. Marlowe and pays five dollars a week for tuition.

• David Kolowitz → Mr. Foreman (Professional Employer And Assistant) — Mr. Foreman employs David in the machine shop.

  David works as a delivery boy and assistant for Mr. Foreman's machine shop.

• David Kolowitz → Wanda (Romantic Girlfriend) — Wanda is David's romantic partner and questions his theatrical ambitions.

  The plot identifies Wanda as David's girlfriend. She initially has misgivings about his decision to pursue acting.

Story Dynamics

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

• Harrison B. Marlowe → Marvin (Narrative Indirect Connection) — Marvin connects David with Marlowe's theatrical organization.

  Marvin directs David toward the theater company operated by Harrison B. Marlowe.

• David Kolowitz → Marvin (Social Friend) — Marvin encourages David to pursue his acting dream.

  Marvin is explicitly described as David's friend and suggests that David become involved with an Off-Broadway theater company.

Story Analysis

David pursues acting against social, professional, financial, and personal doubts until his persistence earns him a place onstage.

Plot Progression

1. A Dream Beyond Deliveries — David works in a New York City machine shop while remaining fascinated by movies. Wanda and Mr. Foreman express doubts about his desire to pursue acting.
2. The Price of Theater — Following Marvin's suggestion, David joins Harrison B. Marlowe's Off-Broadway company. He adopts the name Donald Colman but discovers that participation costs five dollars a week.
3. Against Marlowe's Hostility — David continues training despite his limited acting talent and Marlowe's hostility. His persistence keeps the possibility of a stage career alive.
4. The First Performance — David receives an opportunity to perform and confronts the pressure of making his debut. He ultimately succeeds in appearing onstage despite the obstacles.
5. Acting Without Payment — After David's debut, Wanda and Mr. Foreman accept his theatrical interest. His tuition is waived, allowing him to act for nothing.