Character Relationship Map: Focus

Characters

• Lawrence 'Larry' Newman (played by William H. Macy) — protagonist

  Protagonist. A mild-mannered gentile personnel manager in WWII Brooklyn who initially harbors anti-Jewish prejudices. After experiencing firsthand discrimination and demotion from wearing glasses, he...

• Gertrude 'Gert' Hart (played by Laura Dern) — protagonist

  A Jewish woman initially rejected by Lawrence for a job application. She later helps him find new employment, marries him, and faces social humiliations alongside him. She also possesses knowledge abo...

• Mr. Finkelstein (played by David Paymer) — supporting

  A Jewish storekeeper whose arrival in the neighborhood intensifies social tensions and acts as a catalyst for the rising antisemitic attitudes among locals.

• Fred (played by Meat Loaf) — supporting

  Lawrence's neighbor who appears friendly but secretly belongs to the antisemitic Union Crusaders, a group that blames Jews for the war.

• Mr. Cole Stevens (played by Kevin Jubinville) — supporting
• Mrs. Newman (played by Kay Hawtrey) — supporting

  Lawrence's mother, with whom he resides in Brooklyn during the war.

• Sullivan (played by Shaun Austin-Olsen) — minor
• Mr. Lorring (played by Rick Braggins) — minor
• Rape Victim (played by Beatriz Pizano) — minor
• First Tough (played by Brad Austin) — minor
• Mel (played by B.J. McQueen) — minor
• Bodyguard (played by Stefan Brogren) — minor
• Petey (played by David Blacker) — minor
• Carlson (played by Michael Copeman) — supporting
• Elsie (played by Wendy Lyon) — minor
• Sergeant (played by Rodger Barton) — minor
• Tough's Leader (played by Conrad Bergschneider) — minor
• Father Crighton (played by Kenneth Welsh) — supporting
• Willy Doyle (played by Peter Oldring) — supporting
• Mr. Gargan (played by Joseph Ziegler) — supporting

Story Analysis

A WWII-era drama exploring prejudice, identity, and resilience in Brooklyn.

Plot Progression

1. Brooklyn Tensions
2. Glasses and Demotion
3. Reconciliation and Marriage
4. Rally and Prejudice