Character Relationship Map: Harry & Son

Characters

• Harry Keach (played by Paul Newman) — protagonist

  A South Florida construction worker and widower who struggles with health issues leading to job loss. He clashes with his hedonistic son Howard and holds a strained relationship with his daughter Nina...

• Howard Keach (played by Robby Benson) — protagonist

  Harry's early-20s son who initially pursues a carefree lifestyle surfing and writing. He breaks up with Katie but later rekindles their romance. After successfully selling a short story, he finances a...

• Katie Wilowski (played by Ellen Barkin) — supporting

  Lilly's daughter and Howard's former girlfriend. After a past breakup over rumors and being abandoned by another lover, she becomes pregnant and later reconnects with Howard. She joins the vacation wi...

• Tom Keach (played by Wilford Brimley) — supporting

  Harry's brother who runs a military surplus store. Harry refuses to seek employment there after losing his crane operator job, highlighting their differing attitudes toward work.

• Sally (played by Judith Ivey) — supporting

  An older woman with an insatiable romantic appetite who initially resists Howard's advances. Howard eventually introduces her to Harry, creating an awkward dynamic.

• Andy (played by Robert Goodman) — minor

Canonical Relationships

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

• Harry Keach → Andy (Family Disapproving Father-in-Law) — Harry's dislike of Andy contributes to his strained relationship with his daughter, whom he believes has become stuck up after marrying a more affluent man.

  The plot identifies Andy as Harry's son-in-law and says Harry dislikes him because he is an insurance salesman.

• Howard Keach → Sally (Reluctant Romantic Pursuit) — Sally's advances create an awkward situation for Howard, who ultimately brings her into contact with his father.

  The plot says Howard resists the advances of Sally, an older woman, and eventually introduces her to Harry.

• Harry Keach → Tom Keach (Family Brothers) — Tom offers a possible work connection after Harry loses his job, but Harry refuses to work at Tom's store.

  The plot identifies Tom as Harry's brother and says Tom runs a military surplus store where Harry refuses to seek work.

• Howard Keach → Katie Wilowski (Romantic Former Lovers Reunited) — Their earlier breakup followed rumors about Katie, but they reconnect while she is pregnant and later joins Howard's vacation with her newborn.

  Katie is described as Howard's former girlfriend; after she is abandoned by her lover, her relationship with Howard rekindles.

• Harry Keach → Howard Keach (Family Father And Son) — Harry's work-centered outlook conflicts with Howard's carefree lifestyle, but Howard later uses money from a story sale to finance a vacation for Harry.

  The plot identifies Howard as Harry's son and describes Harry's anger at Howard for quitting jobs and their recurring clashes.

Story Analysis

A widowed father and his son struggle over work and independence before a late change in fortune brings a short-lived family happiness.

Plot Progression

1. Work, Family, and Friction — Harry's belief in hard work clashes with Howard's uncertain employment and easygoing habits. His health problems disrupt his work and lead to the loss of his job.
2. Unemployment and Household Conflict — Harry rejects the work option at Tom's store while Howard leaves more jobs. Their arguments intensify until Harry threatens to throw Howard out.
3. Old Ties Reopen — Harry visits Lilly, while Katie faces pregnancy and abandonment. Howard and Katie reconnect, and Howard's situation with Sally adds an awkward complication.
4. A Story and a Shared Holiday — Howard's short story sells, surprising Harry and giving Howard money to arrange a vacation. Harry begins to feel happy during the trip, but the happiness is brief.
5. Sudden Loss — The vacation is interrupted by tragedy when Harry dies suddenly. The story closes on the abrupt loss after his moment of happiness.