Character Relationship Map: A New Leaf

Characters

• Henry Graham (played by Walter Matthau) — protagonist

  A broke aristocrat who borrows $50,000 to find and marry a wealthy woman within six weeks to avoid bankruptcy. He schemes to poison his new wife, Henrietta, but ultimately falls in love with her durin...

• Henrietta Lowell (played by Elaine May) — supporting

  An immensely wealthy, guileless botany professor who marries Henry despite his suspicious motives. She pays his debts, discovers a new fern species naming it after him, and invites him on a canoe trip...

• Andy McPherson (played by Jack Weston) — supporting

  Henrietta's suspicious lawyer who opposes her marriage to Henry and plots with Uncle Harry to stop it. His manipulations backfire against Henrietta's guilelessness, though he successfully uncovers Hen...

• Uncle Harry (played by James Coco) — supporting

  Henry's greedy uncle who provides a $50,000 loan for his courtship scheme with a strict six-week repayment deadline. He later conspires with the lawyer to prevent the marriage but is ultimately outman...

• Harold (played by George Rose) — supporting

  Henry's loyal valet who suggests he marry a wealthy woman to solve his financial crisis after Henry confesses he has squandered his inheritance.

Key Relationships

• Henry Graham → Andy McPherson (Conflict Adversaries)
• Andy McPherson → Uncle Harry (Alliance Co-conspirators)
• Andy McPherson → Henrietta Lowell (Professional Attorney)
• Henry Graham → Henrietta Lowell (Romantic Fiancé)
• Henry Graham → Uncle Harry (Family Nephew)
• Henry Graham → Harold (Professional Employer)

Story Analysis

A bankrupt heir attempts to marry and murder a wealthy botanist, only to discover genuine love through her innocence and botanical passion.

Plot Progression

1. The Desperate Heir
2. The Calculated Courtship
3. The Poisonous Return
4. The Adirondacks Redemption