Character Relationship Map: Cats

Characters

• Grizabella (played by Elaine Paige) — protagonist

  A shabby, old, grey cat known as 'The Glamour Cat' who seeks reconciliation but is initially shunned by the tribe. After performing 'Memory,' she gains acceptance from Jemima and Victoria and is ultim...

• Old Deuteronomy (played by Ken Page) — supporting

  The wise, elderly patriarch of the Jellicle tribe tasked with annually selecting one cat to ascend to the Heaviside Layer for rebirth. He is temporarily captured by Macavity but is rescued by Mr. Mist...

• Bombalurina (played by Rosemarie Ford) — supporting

  A Jellicle cat who, along with Demeter, provides information to the tribe about Macavity when his henchmen capture Old Deuteronomy. She helps coordinate the response to the villain's attack.

• Munkustrap (played by Michael Gruber) — supporting

  The main narrator of the Jellicle Ball who introduces the cats and explains the tribe's customs. He leads the pursuit when Macavity kidnaps Old Deuteronomy and engages in a physical fight against the...

• Demeter (played by Aeva May) — supporting

  A Jellicle cat who assists in the tribe's investigation of Macavity. She explains details about the villain to the others and successfully identifies Macavity's disguise as Old Deuteronomy, helping to...

• Mistoffelees (played by Jacob Brent) — minor
• Victoria (played by Phyllida Crowley Smith) — minor
• Rum Tum Tugger (played by John Partridge) — supporting

  An extravagant, fickle, and unappeasable Jellicle cat known for his self-centered attitude. He makes a dramatic entrance early in the ball and later calls upon the magician Mr. Mistoffelees to help re...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Munkustrap → Old Deuteronomy (Professional Narrator And Patriarch) — Munkustrap presents and explains Old Deuteronomy's role.

  Munkustrap introduces Old Deuteronomy and explains that the patriarch will choose the cat reborn on the Heaviside Layer.

• Grizabella → Old Deuteronomy (Power Chooser And Chosen) — Old Deuteronomy holds the authority to select Grizabella for rebirth.

  Old Deuteronomy permits Grizabella to address the gathering and ultimately chooses her to ascend to the Heaviside Layer.

Story Dynamics

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

• Rum Tum Tugger → Munkustrap (Social Tribe Member) — They are fellow participants in the Jellicle presentation.

  Munkustrap introduces Rum Tum Tugger as one of the Jellicle contenders during the gathering.

• Victoria → Old Deuteronomy (Social Ceremonial Participant) — Victoria helps begin the ceremony connected to Old Deuteronomy's choice.

  Victoria performs a ballet solo to signal the beginning of the Jellicle Ball, an event presided over by Old Deuteronomy.

• Rum Tum Tugger → Mistoffelees (Alliance Summoner And Helper) — Rum Tum Tugger initiates the magician's intervention.

  After Macavity escapes, Rum Tum Tugger calls upon Mr. Mistoffelees for help.

• Demeter → Bombalurina (Alliance Investigation Partner) — They cooperate in investigating Macavity's attack.

  Demeter and Bombalurina together explain what they know about Macavity to the tribe.

• Mistoffelees → Old Deuteronomy (Alliance Rescuer) — Mr. Mistoffelees rescues Old Deuteronomy and restores order.

  Mr. Mistoffelees uses his magic to restore the lights and bring Old Deuteronomy back after Macavity's attack.

• Grizabella → Munkustrap (Conflict Social Adversary) — Munkustrap belongs to the tribe that initially excludes Grizabella.

  Munkustrap narrates the Jellicle gathering while Grizabella is introduced as an outcast whom the cats reject.

• Grizabella → Victoria (Alliance Supporter) — Victoria supports Grizabella's return to the community.

  Victoria joins Jemima in encouraging Grizabella after the tribe has repeatedly shunned her.

Story Analysis

A rejected cat seeks belonging while a Jellicle tribe faces a criminal threat before choosing who will receive a new life.

Plot Progression

1. The Jellicle Gathering — The cats introduce their tribe, customs, and many individual personalities. Munkustrap explains that Old Deuteronomy will choose one cat for rebirth.
2. Outcasts and Revelers — Several contenders appear, including Jennyanydots, Rum Tum Tugger, and Bustopher Jones. Grizabella returns seeking reconciliation but is rejected by the tribe.
3. The Ball and Its Shadows — Old Deuteronomy arrives and watches the tribe's performances and celebration. Grizabella's isolation contrasts with the joy of the Jellicle Ball.
4. Macavity's Assault — The tribe reflects on happiness before Macavity kidnaps Old Deuteronomy. Demeter and Bombalurina help identify the threat, while Munkustrap pursues him.
5. Memory and Ascension — Mr. Mistoffelees restores order and returns Old Deuteronomy. Grizabella sings Memory, receives acceptance, and is chosen for the Heaviside Layer.