Character Relationships in Table for Five

J.P. Tannen (played by Jon Voight) is a protagonist in Table for Five. A former professional golfer and estranged father who takes his three children on a Mediterranean cruise to reconnect. Initially self-absorbed and eager to find a romantic companion, he gradually confronts his parenting failures, learns his children's true needs, and ultimately fights for custody after his ex-wife's tragic death. Kathleen (played by Millie Perkins) appears in Table for Five. Tannen's ex-wife and the children's mother, who lives in New York with her new husband. She remains skeptical of Tannen's attempts to change. Her sudden death in a car accident serves as the catalyst that forces Tannen and the children to confront their grief and family dynamics. Marie (played by Marie-Christine Barrault) appears in Table for Five. A French archaeologist Tannen meets on the cruise who initially attracts his romantic attention. She becomes impressed by his seemingly caring moments with the children and later joins the family at the pyramids, where she witnesses Tannen's emotional breakdown and his painful revelation of his wife's death. Mitchell (played by Richard Crenna) appears in Table for Five. The children's stepfather and an attorney living in New York. He coordinates the mother's burial, travels to Europe to retrieve the children, and engages in a tense custody dispute with Tannen. He highlights Tannen's absentee history but ultimately faces Tannen's demonstrated commitment to parenting. Tilde (played by Roxana Zal) appears in Table for Five. The family's daughter, described as sensible and sensitive but too young to assume a parental role for her brothers. She provides crucial information about her brother Trung's history of running away, helping Tannen understand his children's hidden struggles. Trung (played by Son Hoang Bui) appears in Table for Five. The adopted oldest son who initially exhibits rebellious behavior like stealing food and using a fake ID. After running away in Tunis, he confronts Tannen, explicitly stating his need for a father rather than a friend, which marks a turning point in their relationship. Truman-Paul (played by Robby Kiger) appears in Table for Five. The youngest son who struggles with a learning disability. Tannen initially responds with impatience, trying to force him to overcome his challenges, highlighting the father's early lack of understanding and emotional distance.

Character Relationship Map: Table for Five

Table for Five (1983) Poster

Table for Five (1983) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.

Characters

Key Relationships

Story Analysis

A fractured father's journey to reclaim his parental role amid tragedy, legal conflict, and personal redemption.

Plot Progression

  1. Departure & Divided Loyalties
  2. Rome Interlude & Shifting Dynamics
  3. Tragedy & Legal Warfare
  4. Pyramids & The Breaking Point
  5. Genoa Reckoning & New Beginnings

Directed by Rob Lieberman

Table for Five (1983) · 5.7/10 · drama, romance