Character Relationship Map: Dance with a Stranger

Characters

• Ruth Ellis (played by Miranda Richardson) — protagonist

  Ruth is a former nude model and prostitute who manages a London drinking club frequented by racing drivers. She lives above the bar with her son Andy and becomes romantically involved with David. Afte...

• David Blakeley (played by Rupert Everett) — supporting

  David is an immature young man from a wealthy family who hopes to become a racing driver but lacks money and drinks excessively. He begins a doomed relationship with Ruth, cannot marry her, ignores he...

• Desmond Cussen (played by Ian Holm) — supporting

  Desmond is a wealthy admirer of Ruth who helps her after she loses her job and becomes homeless. He secures a flat for Ruth and her son Andy, providing practical support while she continues seeing Dav...

• Anthony Findlater (played by Tom Chadbon) — supporting
• Carole Findlater (played by Jane Bertish) — supporting
• Andy (played by Matthew Carroll) — supporting

  Andy is Ruth's illegitimate son and lives with her in the flat above the drinking club. He is part of Ruth's immediate family and is included in the practical crisis after she loses her job and become...

• Morrie Conley (played by Stratford Johns) — supporting
• Cliff Davis (played by David Troughton) — supporting
• Christine (played by Joanne Whalley) — supporting
• Barbara (played by Susan Kyd) — supporting
• Clive Gunnell (played by Paul Mooney) — supporting
• Claudette (as Sallie-Anne Field) (played by Sallie Anne Field) — minor
• Woman in Launderette (played by Lizzie McKenzie) — minor
• Ralph (played by Alan Thompson) — minor
• Landlord (country pub) (played by Nicholas McArdle) — minor
• Roy (played by Martin Murphy) — minor
• Girl with David Blakely (played by Tracy-Louise Ward) — minor
• Landlady (played by Miki Iveria) — minor
• Man in Little Club (played by David Beale) — minor
• Maryanne (played by Lesley Manville) — minor

Story Analysis

A tragic narrative exploring doomed romance, class barriers, and fatal desperation leading to murder and execution.

Plot Progression

1. The Club and the Son
2. Falling and Falling Apart
3. Despair and Desperation
4. The Final Shot