Character Relationship Map: Back When We Were Grownups

Characters

• Rebecca Holmes Davitch (played by Blythe Danner) — protagonist

  Rebecca is the central figure, a woman managing a large, complicated family while questioning who she has become. She organizes a family picnic, explains the family’s relationships to Dr. Will Allenby...

• Dr. Will Allenby (played by Peter Fonda) — supporting

  Will is a doctor and someone from Rebecca’s past whom she seeks out through his university. He is hurt that she returns after having drifted away, telling her he trusted her, and does not simply resum...

• Paul 'Poppy' Davitch (played by Jack Palance) — supporting

  Poppy is Rebecca’s husband. As the family prepares for a picnic celebrating Nono and Barry’s engagement, he is reluctant to join in. Later, while Min goes into labor, he handles calls and tries to kee...

• Minerva "Min" Foo (played by Ione Skye) — supporting

  Min, Rebecca’s daughter, is part of the family whose relationships Rebecca explains to Will. During the events, Min goes into labor, prompting calls that Poppy fields while trying to keep the phone li...

• Nono (played by Betsy Brandt) — supporting

  Nono is a member of Rebecca’s extended family whose engagement to Barry is celebrated at the family picnic Rebecca organizes. The gathering brings relatives together, and Nono’s engagement is the occa...

• Barry (played by Cameron Watson) — minor

  Barry is Nono’s fiancé, and their engagement is the reason for the family picnic Rebecca arranges. The gathering brings Rebecca’s relatives together, though some arrive late and the family’s complicat...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Nono → Barry (Romantic Engaged Couple) — Their engagement is the occasion for the family gathering Rebecca helps organize.

  The family picnic is described as celebrating Nono and Barry's engagement.

• Rebecca Holmes Davitch → Minerva "Min" Foo (Family Mother And Daughter) — Rebecca identifies Min as her daughter and remains involved in her family life, including during Min's labor.

  Rebecca tells Dr. Will Allenby that Minerva "Min" Foo is her daughter. Min later goes into labor, and Rebecca is involved as the family responds.

• Rebecca Holmes Davitch → Paul 'Poppy' Davitch (Family Wife And Husband) — Their marriage is shown through ordinary family responsibilities and Poppy's reluctance to join the gathering Rebecca has organized.

  The plot identifies Paul 'Poppy' Davitch as Rebecca's husband. Rebecca tries to get him ready for the family picnic, and he is reluctant to attend.

Story Dynamics

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

• Rebecca Holmes Davitch → Dr. Will Allenby (Social Reconnected Former Close Relationship) — Their renewed contact brings unresolved hurt and uncertainty; Rebecca seeks out Will, but their previous closeness does not immediately return.

  Rebecca tracks Will down through his university and tells him she had drifted away from her original self and had begun questioning who she had become...

Story Analysis

Rebecca balances a demanding extended family life with an uncertain reconnection and questions about the person she has become.

Plot Progression

1. A Family Gathered — Rebecca prepares a picnic celebrating Nono and Barry's engagement. The gathering reflects her efforts to bring her crowded family together despite Poppy's reluctance and late arrivals.
2. The Past Reopens — Rebecca explains her family to Will and seeks him out through his university. She admits that she has drifted from her former self, while Will makes clear that her return has hurt him.
3. Family Demands Continue — Min goes into labor as Poppy handles calls and tries to keep the phone line free. Rebecca also attends to family life, admiring Peter's project and hearing a reminder to enjoy him as he grows.
4. An Unfinished Reassessment — Rebecca tells Zeb that she intends to focus on herself through reading and exercise. At a later gathering, Will meets more of her relatives, while their renewed connection and Rebecca's reconsideratio...