Character Relationship Map: Drag

Characters

• David Carroll (played by Richard Barthelmess) — protagonist

  The protagonist who moves to Paris, Vermont, to run a local newspaper. He marries Allie Parker and moves into her family's home, enduring their constant interference. Frustrated, he leaves for New Yor...

• Dot (played by Lila Lee) — supporting

  A sophisticated local woman initially intrigued by David. In New York, she becomes a successful costume designer and plays a crucial role in getting David's musical play accepted by a producer. Though...

• Allie Parker (played by Alice Day) — supporting

  David's wife who refuses to live independently, insisting on staying with her family. She consistently sides with her parents and siblings against David, causing marital strife. In New York, she bring...

• Baby (played by Garry Watson) — supporting

  Included among the Parker family members living under the same roof as the newlyweds. The baby's presence exacerbates the domestic chaos and lack of privacy, intensifying David's frustration with his...

• Clara (played by Margaret Fielding) — supporting

  Another member of the Parker family who resides in the same household as David and Allie. Her presence, along with the rest of the family, contributes to the oppressive domestic atmosphere that drives...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Allie Parker → Baby (Household Family Member) — The baby's presence is part of the family arrangement Allie refuses to leave.

  The baby is included among the Parker family members living with Allie and David.

• Allie Parker → Clara (Family Member) — Their shared family household helps preserve Allie's attachment to her relatives.

  Clara is identified as part of Allie's Parker family and lives in the same household after the marriage.

• David Carroll → Dot (Romantic Love Interest) — Their mutual love creates the story's central romantic alternative to David's marriage.

  David and Dot fall in love after meeting again in New York.

• David Carroll → Allie Parker (Family Spouse) — Their marriage is the central domestic relationship in the story.

  David is maneuvered into marrying Allie, and the two live together in her family's home.

Story Dynamics

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

• David Carroll → Baby (Social Household Relation) — The baby's presence reinforces David's inability to establish an independent home.

  The baby lives under the same roof as David and Allie, intensifying the lack of privacy and domestic chaos.

• David Carroll → Clara (Household Conflict) — Clara is part of the household environment David experiences as oppressive.

  Clara lives in the Parker household, whose intrusive domestic presence contributes to David's growing frustration.

Story Analysis

A married man's struggle for independence ends when he rejects an oppressive family arrangement and claims personal freedom.

Plot Progression

1. A Marriage Takes Root — David arrives in Paris, Vermont, takes over The Courier, and meets Dot. He is pressured into marrying Allie and accepting life in the Parker household.
2. The Crowded Domestic Trap — David works to improve the newspaper and writes a successful musical play. Despite these achievements, the Parker household becomes increasingly intrusive and unbearable.
3. Escape Through the Theatre — David leaves Allie behind and travels to New York to promote his play. Dot's professional influence helps him achieve theatrical success and secure a new apartment.
4. Love Steps Aside — David and Dot fall in love, but David remains committed to his marriage. Dot recognizes his decision and quietly departs for France.
5. Freedom at the Harbor — Allie arrives in New York, followed by her family, destroying David's hope for an independent marriage. After Allie chooses her family again, David abandons the apartment and claims his freedom at the...