Character Relationship Map: Hancock

Characters

• John Hancock (played by Will Smith) — protagonist

  An amnesiac, immortal superhuman with flight, invulnerability, and super-strength. Initially an alcoholic and reckless vigilante hated by the public, he partners with PR specialist Ray Embrey to impro...

• Mary (played by Charlize Theron) — protagonist

  Ray's wife who secretly possesses superpowers and is Hancock's ancient soulmate. They were together for three thousand years as immortal beings until separating to regain their powers. She explains th...

• Ray (played by Jason Bateman) — supporting

  A struggling public relations specialist who partners with Hancock to rehabilitate his public image and secure a spokesperson role for the All Heart brand. He frequently visits Hancock in prison, enco...

• Aaron (played by Jae Head) — supporting

  Ray Embrey's young son. He is the reason Ray wants to improve Hancock's public image to be a positive role model for his family and community.

• Red (played by Eddie Marsan) — supporting

  A criminal who orchestrates a bank robbery and hostage crisis, leading to Hancock cutting off his hand. He later escapes prison, attacks a hospital for revenge, and is ultimately killed by Ray Embrey...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Ray → Mary (Family Wife) — Ray and Mary are married, although Mary's ancient connection with Hancock complicates their household.

  The plot introduces Mary as Ray's wife and shows them receiving Hancock-related calls together.

• John Hancock → Mary (Romantic Ancient Soulmates) — Their ancient romantic bond is central to the supernatural conflict.

  Mary explains that she and Hancock were together for three thousand years and were bonded as soulmates.

• Mary → Aaron (Family Stepmother) — Mary is Aaron's stepmother within Ray's family.

  Ray tells Hancock that Mary is Aaron's stepmother and that Aaron's biological mother died in childbirth.

• Ray → Aaron (Family Father) — Ray is Aaron's father and wants Hancock to become a positive role model.

  The plot identifies Aaron as Ray's son and shows Ray bringing him into Hancock's life.

Story Dynamics

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

• Ray → Red (Conflict Enemy) — Ray becomes Red's direct opponent during the final hospital confrontation.

  During the hospital attack, Ray cuts off Red's other hand with a fire axe and then kills him to save Hancock.

• John Hancock → Red (Conflict Adversary) — Hancock directly opposes Red's criminal hostage operation.

  Hancock stops Red's bank robbery, prevents the dead man's switch from being used, and turns Red over to police.

• John Hancock → Aaron (Social Role Model) — Hancock becomes a potential heroic example for Aaron.

  Ray wants Hancock's public image improved so he can serve as a positive role model for his family and community.

• John Hancock → Ray (Alliance Partner) — They form the film's central human-superhuman partnership.

  Ray offers to improve Hancock's public image, and Hancock later works with Ray's plan to return as a public hero.

Story Analysis

An alienated superhuman reforms his public life while confronting an ancient bond that threatens both his powers and his survival.

Plot Progression

1. A Hero Without Trust — Hancock's reckless crime fighting leaves Los Angeles hostile toward him. Ray rescues his public image by persuading him to apologize and accept imprisonment.
2. Reform Behind Bars — Hancock struggles with prison, support groups, and emotional discipline while Ray and his family continue visiting him. Rising crime eventually creates a reason for Hancock's release.
3. A Hero And A Secret — Hancock defeats Red's bank crisis and gains public approval. His dinner with Ray and Mary exposes his amnesia and reveals Mary's superhuman identity.
4. The Cost Of Closeness — Mary reveals their ancient soulmate history and the danger of remaining together. Red's revenge attack forces Hancock and Ray into a deadly hospital confrontation before Hancock chooses separation.