Character Relationship Map: Christopher Bean

Characters

• Abby (played by Marie Dressler) — protagonist

  The Haggett family maid who harbors fond memories of Christopher Bean. She agrees to help Susan and Warren elope but refuses to sell Bean's portrait of her. She secretly saved seventeen canvases from...

• Dr. Milton Haggett (played by Lionel Barrymore) — supporting

  Head of the impoverished Haggett family. Initially unaware of Bean's fame, he sells a painting used to patch his chicken coop for $100. After learning the true value of the artworks, he desperately se...

• Warren Creamer (played by Russell Hardie) — supporting

  A former student of Christopher Bean who works as a paperhanger. He courts Susan Haggett and declares his intention to marry her. Despite being initially welcomed and then rejected by the mother and s...

• Rosen (played by Jean Hersholt) — supporting

  A rival art dealer who arrives at the Haggett house before Davenport. He offers Milton Haggett $1,000 for any Christopher Bean paintings in their possession, highlighting the growing financial despera...

• Maxwell Davenport (played by H.B. Warner) — supporting

  A New York art critic who sends a telegram to the Haggetts about Bean's paintings. He arrives at their home to identify himself and reveals that Christopher Bean's work is now worth tens of thousands...

Key Relationships

• Abby → Rosen (Conflict Manipulated Target)
• Abby → Maxwell Davenport (Social Acquaintance)
• Rosen → Maxwell Davenport (Conflict Rival)
• Maxwell Davenport → Dr. Milton Haggett (Professional Expert)
• Rosen → Dr. Milton Haggett (Professional Business Partner)
• Warren Creamer → Dr. Milton Haggett (Social Disapproved Suitor)
• Abby → Warren Creamer (Alliance Ally)
• Abby → Dr. Milton Haggett (Professional Employer)

Story Analysis

A family's sudden wealth from a deceased artist's paintings exposes greed and loyalty.

Plot Progression

1. The Art World Mobilizes
2. Deception and Discovery
3. The Greedy Frenzy
4. The Widow's Triumph