Character Relationship Map: Barrage

Characters

• Catherine (played by Lolita Chammah) — protagonist

  Catherine returns after years away and tries to rebuild her relationship with Alba, using tennis, childhood memories, and stories from the past to reconnect. She cares for Alba after an injury, but he...

• Alba (played by Themis Pauwels) — supporting

  Alba is a young tennis player raised for ten years by her guardian while Catherine was absent. Caught between the two adults, she gradually reconnects with Catherine through tennis and shared experien...

• Agathe (played by Elsa Houben) — supporting

  Agathe is the person Alba calls during the night after Catherine leaves her alone at the chalet. The summary does not explain Agathe’s relationship to Alba or describe what happens after the call, but...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Agathe → Alba (Family Guardian) — Agathe has been Alba's primary caregiver during Catherine's absence.

  Agathe is identified as Alba's guardian, and she says that she raised Alba for ten years.

• Catherine → Alba (Family Reconnecting Parent-Child Bond) — Catherine is attempting to re-establish a family bond with Alba after a prolonged separation.

  Catherine returns after years of absence and tries to rebuild a relationship with Alba through tennis, childhood memories, and stories about the past.

Story Dynamics

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

• Catherine → Agathe (Conflict Custody Rivalry) — The two adults compete over Catherine's place in Alba's life.

  Agathe challenges Catherine's sudden return, while Catherine accuses Agathe of destroying her chance to rebuild a relationship with Alba.

Story Analysis

A returning mother-like figure tries to reclaim intimacy with Alba while her absence and instability collide with Agathe's long-term guardianship.

Plot Progression

1. A Return Under Suspicion — Catherine returns after years away and approaches Alba during tennis practice. Agathe rejects the visit and emphasizes that she raised Alba during Catherine's absence.
2. Rebuilding Through Sport — Catherine tries to reconnect with Alba through tennis, memories of swimming, and encouragement. Alba's injury gives Catherine an opportunity to care for her privately.
3. Grief Opens Old Wounds — The planned outing changes after the dog is killed, and Catherine and Alba bury it together. Their conversation exposes fear, family secrets, medication, and Catherine's abandoned career.
4. A Promise Broken — Alba learns more about Catherine's dark thoughts and instability. Catherine drinks and leaves Alba alone at the chalet despite promising to return.
5. The Price Of Trust — Alba calls Agathe, who comes to the chalet before Catherine returns. Their confrontation exposes the adults' unresolved pain and leaves Catherine's future role in Alba's life uncertain.