Character Relationship Map: Cherry

Characters

• Aaron (played by Kyle Gallner) — protagonist

  A 17-year-old freshman from an engineering family, Aaron studies engineering at Yale while feeling more drawn to art. He struggles with his grades, family conflicts, and complicated feelings for Linda...

• Linda (played by Laura Allen) — protagonist

  Linda is a single mother in her 30s and Beth’s mother, living with uncertainty about her relationship with Wes. She befriends Aaron and becomes involved with him, but their intimacy leaves him hurt. A...

• Beth (played by Britt Robertson) — supporting

  Beth is Linda’s 14-year-old daughter, who develops strong feelings for Aaron and dislikes Wes. She tries to seduce Aaron, becomes furious after overhearing his intimacy with Linda, and runs away to Ra...

• Wes (played by Esai Morales) — supporting

  Wes is Linda’s boyfriend and a police officer. He proposes to Linda, but their relationship collapses after an argument in which he accidentally hits her, prompting her to drive away with Aaron and Be...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Beth → Aaron (Romantic Unreciprocated Attraction) — Beth's attraction to Aaron intensifies her jealousy and emotional distress.

  Beth develops feelings for Aaron, visits his dorm, and attempts to seduce him, but he declines.

• Aaron → Linda (Romantic Interest) — Aaron's attraction to Linda becomes a major source of emotional conflict.

  Aaron develops feelings for Linda and later has sex with her.

• Linda → Beth (Family Mother) — Linda is Beth's mother and remains responsible for her welfare.

  The plot identifies Beth as Linda's 14-year-old daughter, and Linda becomes distressed when Beth runs away.

• Linda → Wes (Romantic Former Partner) — Linda and Wes are a couple whose relationship breaks down after violence and mistrust.

  Wes is identified as Linda's boyfriend, proposes to her, and later loses her after their argument.

Story Dynamics

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

• Aaron → Wes (Conflict) — Aaron is caught in the confrontation between Wes and Linda.

  Wes follows Linda's car after the argument, while Aaron is inside with Linda and Beth during the resulting flight and crash.

Story Analysis

Aaron navigates conflicting desires, damaged relationships, family pressure, and academic uncertainty before choosing responsibility and moving forward.

Plot Progression

1. A Student Between Worlds — Aaron enters Yale as an engineering student while feeling drawn toward art. He forms complicated friendships with William, Darcy, Linda, Beth, and Wes.
2. Love And Collision — Aaron becomes involved in Linda's unstable household and develops feelings across several relationships. Wes's proposal, the violent argument, and the car crash sharply raise the stakes.
3. Consequences Of Desire — While Linda recovers, Aaron grows closer to Beth and chooses to remain with her and Linda. His intimacy with Linda damages his connection with Beth and deepens his confusion.
4. Rescue And Recovery — Beth runs away and is found in danger, prompting Aaron and Wes to cooperate in bringing her home. Aaron also repairs his relationship with Susan.
5. A Difficult Departure — Aaron uses William's help and Beth's inspiration to win an engineering competition. Linda and Beth leave for Jacksonville, while Aaron returns to Yale and reconciles with Darcy.