Character Relationship Map: Decisions! Decisions!

Characters

• Phoebe Masterson (played by Jean Simmons) — protagonist
• John Hobson (played by Bob Newhart) — protagonist
• Andrea Winters (played by Jill St. John) — supporting
• Lt. Ettinger (played by Lou Jacobi) — supporting
• Railroad Ticket Clerk (played by John Carradine) — supporting
• Tex (played by Royal Dano) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

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

• John Hobson → Tex (Professional Business Associate) — Professional connection in John's sales network
• John Hobson → Railroad Ticket Clerk (Professional Business Contact) — Brief encounter during John's sales travels
• Phoebe Masterson → Lt. Ettinger (Professional Client) — Lt. Ettinger seeks Phoebe's expertise as a sexologist
• John Hobson → Andrea Winters (Romantic Interest) — Potential romantic relationship developing during John's travels

Story Dynamics

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

• John Hobson → Phoebe Masterson (Narrative Protagonists) — The two main protagonists with parallel storylines

Story Analysis

Interactive comedy with meta-narrative structure where audience chooses the plotline

Plot Progression

1. Character Introductions — John Hobson is introduced as an encyclopedia salesman with unorthodox methods, while Phoebe Masterson begins her work as a sexologist facing unusual client requests.
2. Parallel Journeys — Both characters navigate their professional challenges while developing personal relationships, with John meeting Andrea Winters and Phoebe dealing with complex client situations.
3. Meta-Narrative Twist — The film breaks the fourth wall as two plotlines are presented to a studio audience who votes on which storyline to continue developing.
4. Audience-Driven Story — The chosen plotline unfolds based on the audience's vote, with both characters facing their respective climaxes and resolutions.
5. Reflection on Choice — The film concludes with reflections on the nature of choice, consequence, and storytelling, bringing the meta-narrative full circle.