Character Relationship Map: Going Away

Characters

• Sandra (played by Louise Bourgoin) — protagonist

  Sandra is a seasonal worker on the Mediterranean coast and Mathias's mother. Her difficult circumstances prevent her from caring for him as she would like. Burdened by failed projects and debt, she co...

• Baptiste Cambière (played by Pierre Rochefort) — supporting

  Baptiste is a young substitute teacher who rejects attachments in favor of a freer but solitary life. After taking charge of Mathias one Friday evening, he meets Mathias's mother and decides to help h...

• Liliane Cambière (played by Dominique Sanda) — supporting

  Liliane is a member of Baptiste's estranged family who receives him at the family home. She tells him that he was committed to an institution, that the family failed to stay in touch, and that she eve...

• Gilles Cambière (played by Eric Ruf) — supporting

  Gilles is a member of the Cambière family who handles financial matters. When Baptiste explains that he needs money during his visit to the family home, the relatives direct him to Gilles. The plot su...

• Le pêre de Mathias (played by Olivier Loustau) — supporting

  Mathias's father is the parent with whom Mathias is living. Confusion among him and the other adults responsible for the weekend arrangements leaves Mathias waiting, so Baptiste takes the boy to his f...

• Mathias (played by Mathias Brezot) — supporting

  Mathias is one of Baptiste's pupils. Baptiste takes responsibility for him on a Friday evening during Pentecost, an event that brings the teacher into contact with Mathias's mother. Through this encou...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Baptiste Cambière → Gilles Cambière (Family Financial Contact) — Gilles is the relative the family identifies as the person to approach about Baptiste's request for money.

  When Baptiste explains that he needs money, his family directs him to Gilles, who handles such matters.

• Baptiste Cambière → Liliane Cambière (Estranged Family) — Their meeting exposes years of separation and hurt: Baptiste accuses Liliane of arriving too late, while she says she thought of him every day.

  At the family home, Liliane recalls that Baptiste was committed to an institution and that she eventually believed he was dead. They confront each oth...

• Baptiste Cambière → Mathias (Professional Teacher And Pupil) — Baptiste's responsibility for Mathias brings him into contact with Sandra and draws him into their family situation.

  Baptiste is a temporary schoolteacher, and Mathias is one of his pupils. Baptiste takes responsibility for Mathias when the boy is left waiting.

• Le pêre de Mathias → Mathias (Family Father) — Mathias lives with his father, though confusion over the weekend arrangements leaves the boy waiting.

  Baptiste takes Mathias to his father, and the plot states that Mathias is living with him.

• Sandra → Mathias (Family Mother) — Sandra's financial and personal difficulties shape her uncertain ability to provide for Mathias.

  The plot identifies Sandra as Mathias's mother. Her difficult circumstances limit her ability to care for him as she would like.

Story Dynamics

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

• Sandra → Liliane Cambière (Social Family-Home Guest) — Sandra enters Baptiste's family setting despite her discomfort and is included in the family lunch.

  Sandra joins Baptiste at the family home, feels uncomfortable there, and is welcomed to lunch.

• Baptiste Cambière → Sandra (Alliance Supporter) — Baptiste moves beyond his usual transient life to offer Sandra and Mathias practical support, though their future together remains uncertain.

  Baptiste spends time with Sandra and Mathias, offers them a place to stay near his school in Arles, and considers how he can help after Sandra reveals...

Story Analysis

A transient teacher becomes involved in a child's family difficulties and returns to the estranged family history he had tried to leave behind.

Plot Progression

1. A Boy Left Waiting — Baptiste prepares to leave his teaching post but discovers Mathias has been left waiting because of confused weekend arrangements. Taking the boy to his father brings Baptiste into contact with Sandra...
2. A Fragile Offer of Help — Baptiste spends time with Sandra and Mathias, and he and Sandra discuss their transient lives. When Sandra reveals debt and plans to leave, Baptiste offers them a place near his school in Arles.
3. Return to the Cambière Home — Short of money and tired of living out of a suitcase, Baptiste approaches his estranged family. Sandra accompanies him and is welcomed to lunch, though she feels uncomfortable in the family setting.
4. Confronting the Lost Years — Liliane recalls Baptiste's institutionalization and the family's long separation, leading to an emotionally painful confrontation. Baptiste asks for money, is directed to Gilles, and finds records ind...