Character Relationship Map: Chapter Two

Characters

• George Schneider (played by James Caan) — protagonist

  George is a New York City author and widower whose brother, Leo, repeatedly tries to set him up with eligible women. After accidentally calling Jennie, he persuades her to meet and quickly falls in lo...

• Jennie MacLaine (played by Marsha Mason) — supporting

  Jennie is an actress who has recently divorced a professional football player. Though initially uninterested in a blind date, she agrees to meet George for five minutes and is immediately drawn to him...

• Faye Medwick (played by Valerie Harper) — supporting

  Faye is a friend of Leo who introduced him to Jennie, helping set George and Jennie's romance in motion. Her own marriage is on the rocks, and she asks to use Jennie's apartment while the newlyweds ar...

Canonical Relationships

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

• George Schneider → Jennie MacLaine (Romantic Partner) — Their rapidly developing romance is the central relationship of the story.

  George and Jennie meet at her apartment, immediately hit it off, and begin a whirlwind romance that leads to marriage.

Story Dynamics

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

• George Schneider → Faye Medwick (Social Acquaintance) — Faye is linked to George through the matchmaking and social circle surrounding his romance.

  Faye is part of the social connection through which George receives Jennie's phone number, and she is pleased when George and Jennie marry.

• Jennie MacLaine → Faye Medwick (Social Friend) — Their connection includes enough trust for Jennie to lend Faye her apartment.

  Jennie allows Faye to use her apartment while she and George are away on their honeymoon.

Story Analysis

A grieving widower enters a sudden marriage whose survival depends on confronting the past and recognizing present love.

Plot Progression

1. A Phone Call Changes Everything — George lives with unresolved grief and a history of failed dates. An accidental call to Jennie eventually produces a face-to-face meeting.
2. The Five-Minute Beginning — George and Jennie immediately connect despite their initial resistance to a blind date. Their honest discussion leads to a traditional date and a rapidly intensifying romance.
3. A Marriage Built Too Fast — The couple decides to marry after knowing each other for only a short time. Their happiness peaks as they leave for an idyllic Caribbean honeymoon.
4. Grief Returns From The Past — A stranger's condolences about George's deceased wife abruptly revive his grief. His depression follows the couple home and damages their fragile marriage.
5. Betrayal And Recognition — George's harshness drives Jennie away while her discovery of Faye's affair deepens the crisis. George finally recognizes his love for Jennie and his fear of losing her.