Character Relationship Map: Blue Collar

Characters

• Ezekiel 'Zeke' Brown (played by Richard Pryor) — protagonist
• Jerry Bartowski (played by Harvey Keitel) — protagonist
• Sam 'Smokey' James (played by Yaphet Kotto) — supporting
• Bobby Joe (played by Ed Begley Jr.) — supporting
• Caroline Brown (played by Chip Fields) — supporting
• Eddie Johnson (played by Harry Bellaver) — supporting
• Bob Bartowski (played by Steve Butts) — minor
• Charlie T. Hernandez (played by Jimmy Martinez) — minor
• Jenkins (played by George Memmoli) — supporting
• I.R.S. Man (played by Leonard Gaines) — minor
• Superintendent (played by Jerry Dahlmann) — minor
• Barney (played by Sammy Warren) — minor
• Blond Thug (played by Rock Riddle) — minor
• Hank (played by Harry Northup) — minor
• Unshaven Thug (played by Denny Arnold) — minor
• Sumabitch (played by Milton Selzer) — minor
• Debby Bartowski (played by Stacey Baldwin) — minor
• Arlene Bartowski (played by Lucy Saroyan) — supporting
• Clarence Hill (played by Lane Smith) — supporting
• John Burrows (played by Cliff DeYoung) — supporting

Story Analysis

A gritty exploration of how systemic exploitation and union corruption fracture working-class solidarity.

Plot Progression

1. Desperation and Deception
2. Retaliation and Ruin
3. Betrayal and Flight
4. Divided and Defiant