Character Relationship Map: In & Out

Characters

• Howard Brackett (played by Kevin Kline) — protagonist

  Protagonist and high school English literature teacher. Initially presents himself as straight and prepares to marry Emily. After being publicly outed by his former student, he faces intense media scr...

• Emily Montgomery (played by Joan Cusack) — protagonist

  Howard's fiancée and fellow teacher with low self-esteem who lost weight for their impending wedding. She is devastated when Howard cancels their wedding after coming out as gay. She attends the final...

• Peter Malloy (played by Tom Selleck) — supporting

  On-camera entertainment reporter initially covering Howard's wedding. He reveals his own gay identity, shares his coming-out experience, and kisses Howard to help him confront his feelings. He later s...

• Cameron Drake (played by Matt Dillon) — supporting

  Howard's former student who wins an Oscar for portraying a gay soldier. He publicly outes Howard during his acceptance speech. Later returns to his hometown to defend Howard's firing and presents him...

• Tom Halliwell (played by Bob Newhart) — supporting

  School principal who feels uncomfortable with the intense media attention brought to the school. He ultimately fires Howard following his public coming out.

• Student (played by Lauren Ward) — minor

Canonical Relationships

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

• Emily Montgomery → Cameron Drake (Romantic Emerging Romance)

  At the final reception, Emily and Cameron appear to have begun a relationship.

• Howard Brackett → Student (Professional Teacher)

  Howard is shown as a high school English teacher, and one student says Howard helped the student get into college.

• Howard Brackett → Tom Halliwell (Professional Teacher And Principal)

  Howard works at the school where Tom is principal, and Tom scrutinizes him after the media attention reaches the school.

• Howard Brackett → Cameron Drake (Professional Former Teacher)

  Cameron is identified as Howard's former student and publicly thanks Howard during his Oscar acceptance speech.

• Howard Brackett → Peter Malloy (Romantic Attraction)

  Peter reveals that he is gay and kisses Howard; Howard is shocked that he enjoys the kiss.

• Howard Brackett → Emily Montgomery (Romantic Fiance)

  Howard and Emily are engaged and preparing for their imminent wedding. Their wedding is canceled when Howard comes out as gay.

Story Analysis

A teacher's forced public outing becomes a painful journey toward self-acceptance and community solidarity.

Plot Progression

1. A Secret Beneath Applause
2. The Town Under Cameras
3. A Kiss Before The Vows
4. Truth At The Altar
5. A Community Answers Back