Character Relationship Map: 1918

Characters

• Horace Robedaux (played by William Converse-Roberts) — protagonist

  A young husband and father in a small Texas town who faces social pressure to enlist in World War I, despite not wanting to leave his family.

• Elizabeth Robedaux (played by Hallie Foote) — protagonist

  Horace's pregnant young wife, who defies her wealthy family to pursue marriage and build a life with him.

• Brother (played by Matthew Broderick) — supporting

  Elizabeth's immature younger brother, whose enthusiasm for the war increases pressure on Horace to enlist.

Canonical Relationships

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

• Elizabeth Robedaux → Brother (Family Siblings) — Elizabeth's younger brother talks constantly about the war, adding to the pressure on Horace.

  The plot reference describes Brother as Elizabeth's little brother.

• Horace Robedaux → Elizabeth Robedaux (Family Husband And Wife) — A married couple facing pressure from wartime enlistment and the influenza epidemic.

  The plot reference identifies Elizabeth as Horace's young wife and says he does not want to leave her.

Story Dynamics

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

• Brother → Horace Robedaux (Social Source Of Enlistment Pressure) — Brother's enthusiasm for the war contributes to the pressure Horace feels about joining the military.

  The plot reference says Brother constantly talks about the war and that Horace feels pressure to enlist.

Story Analysis

In a Texas town during World War I, a young couple faces enlistment pressure and a spreading influenza epidemic.

Plot Progression

1. A Nation Mobilizes — The United States is deeply involved in World War I. Bond drives, suspicion, patriotism, and enlistment shape the atmosphere.
2. A Family at the Crossroads — Horace feels pressure to enlist but does not want to leave Elizabeth and their child. Brother's constant talk about the war adds to that pressure.
3. A Plan for Those Left Behind — Elizabeth's father, who once opposed the marriage, plans to care for Elizabeth and the child if Horace goes to war. The arrangement offers support while leaving the family facing a difficult separatio...
4. The Epidemic Changes the Stakes — Spanish flu sweeps through the town as well as the wider country. The epidemic threatens to alter the family's plans, leaving the outcome uncertain.