Character Relationships in Pariah

Alike (played by Adepero Oduye) is a protagonist in Pariah. The 17-year-old protagonist navigating her coming-of-age as a butch lesbian. She struggles with her mother's religious expectations and her own identity, finding early support in her friend Laura and father Arthur. After a brief physical relationship with Bina ends in rejection, Alike comes out to her parents, faces intense conflict, and ultimately chooses to move to California for college, asserting her independence over familial pressure. Laura (played by Pernell Walker) is a protagonist in Pariah. Alike's openly lesbian best friend who provides early companionship and acceptance. She grows annoyed when Alike distances herself to pursue Bina but reconciles with her after Alike flees her hostile home. Laura ultimately supports Alike's departure to California, serving as a steadfast ally throughout her journey of self-discovery. Bina (played by Aasha Davis) appears in Pariah. A church girl introduced by Audrey as a potential friend for Alike. Alike develops romantic feelings for her, leading to an intimate encounter. However, Bina dismisses the relationship, stating she is not 'really gay-gay' and views their interaction as merely playful, which deeply hurts Alike and forces her to confront her identity and boundaries. Arthur (played by Charles Parnell) appears in Pariah. Alike's father and a police detective who maintains a relatively close relationship with her. He initially dismisses her identity changes as a phase but offers cautious support. After the explosive family confrontation, he apologizes for Audrey's behavior and attempts to reconcile with Alike, though she ultimately chooses independence over returning home. Sharonda (played by Sahra Mellesse) appears in Pariah. Alike's sister who attempts to mediate during her parents' explosive fights. She witnesses the family conflict and ultimately joins her father and Laura in seeing Alike off, reflecting the family's fractured but supportive dynamic. Audrey (played by Kim Wayans) appears in Pariah. Alike's strict Christian mother who strongly disapproves of her daughter's butch presentation and sexuality. She attempts to enforce traditional femininity and steer Alike toward church peers. When Alike comes out during a family fight, Audrey reacts with violent rejection, refusing acceptance and instead promising to pray for her, creating the central conflict of the film.

Character Relationship Map: Pariah

Pariah (2011) Poster

Pariah (2011) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.

Characters

Key Relationships

Story Analysis

A teenage girl navigates her butch lesbian identity while confronting familial rejection and societal expectations.

Plot Progression

  1. Identity and Disapproval
  2. New Connections and Intimacy
  3. Heartbreak and Family Explosion
  4. Reconciliation and Defiance
  5. Departure and Self-Determination

Directed by Dee Rees

Pariah (2011) · 6.8/10 · drama