Character Relationship Map: Wise Guys

Characters

• Harry Valentini (played by Danny DeVito) — protagonist
• Moe Dickstein (played by Joe Piscopo) — protagonist
• Bobby DiLea (played by Harvey Keitel) — supporting
• Marco (played by Ray Sharkey) — supporting
• Anthony Castelo (played by Dan Hedaya) — supporting
• Frank "The Fixer" Acavano (played by Louis Albano) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

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

• Frank "The Fixer" Acavano → Harry Valentini (Professional Enforcer)

  Harry and Moe accompany Acavano to the racetrack, and Acavano later drives the stolen Cadillac and helps pursue them.

• Anthony Castelo → Moe Dickstein (Power Boss)

  Moe works with Harry in Castelo's gang and is subjected to Castelo's demands and punishment.

• Anthony Castelo → Harry Valentini (Power Boss)

  Harry works at the bottom rung of Castelo's gang and performs Castelo's lowest jobs.

• Harry Valentini → Marco (Family Cousin)

  The plot describes Marco as Harry's cousin and states that his murder frightens Harry and Moe.

Story Dynamics

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

• Bobby DiLea → Moe Dickstein (Social Old Friend)

  Harry and Moe stay at a hotel owned by their old friend Bobby DiLea.

• Bobby DiLea → Harry Valentini (Social Old Friend)

  The plot calls Bobby DiLea their old friend and identifies his hotel as their place of refuge.

• Frank "The Fixer" Acavano → Moe Dickstein (Conflict Enforcer)

  Acavano spots Moe at Harry's funeral, after which Castelo resolves to kill Moe.

• Harry Valentini → Moe Dickstein (Alliance Teammate)

  Harry and Moe work together at the bottom of Anthony Castelo's gang and perform low-level jobs for him.

Story Analysis

Two despised mob underlings survive betrayal and violence by turning their shared dream into a clever escape.

Plot Progression

1. Bottom-Rung Dreamers
2. Debt Under Threat
3. Flight to Atlantic City
4. A False Death
5. The Gas-Lit Escape