Character Relationship Map: The Raid

Characters

• Maj. Neal Benton (played by Van Heflin) — protagonist

  Confederate raid leader who goes undercover as a Canadian businessman in St. Albans. He hosts a war widow, shoots a drunken raider to maintain cover, and leads the armed bank robbery and town hall bur...

• Katy Bishop (played by Anne Bancroft) — protagonist

  Attractive young war widow in St. Albans who boards Major Benton. She and her son shower him with gratitude after he eliminates a disruptive raider at a church service, unaware of his true identity.

• Capt. Lionel Foster (played by Richard Boone) — supporting
• Lt. Keating (played by Lee Marvin) — supporting
• Larry Bishop (played by Tommy Rettig) — supporting

  Friendly son of the war widow who hosts Major Benton. He interacts with the undercover Confederate officer during the preparation for the raid.

• Larry's Friend (uncredited) (played by Lee Aaker) — minor
• Capt. Frank Dwyer (played by Peter Graves) — supporting
• Rev. Douglas (played by Douglas Spencer) — supporting
• Col. Tucker (played by Paul Cavanagh) — supporting
• Josiah Anderson (played by Will Wright) — supporting
• Lt. Robinson (played by James Best) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

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

• Maj. Neal Benton → Col. Tucker (Professional Superior Officer) — Tucker is a Confederate officer involved in the mission
• Maj. Neal Benton → Capt. Lionel Foster (Professional Commander) — Foster commands the Confederate raiding party
• Maj. Neal Benton → Katy Bishop (Romantic Interest) — Benton boards with Katy and develops romantic feelings while undercover

Story Dynamics

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

• Larry's Friend (uncredited) → Larry Bishop (friend)
• Maj. Neal Benton → Rev. Douglas (Social Town Figure) — Benton interacts with the town reverend
• Maj. Neal Benton → Josiah Anderson (Alliance Raider) — Anderson is one of the Confederate raiders
• Maj. Neal Benton → Lt. Robinson (Alliance Raider) — Robinson is one of the Confederate raiders
• Maj. Neal Benton → Capt. Frank Dwyer (Alliance Raider) — Dwyer is one of the Confederate raiders
• Maj. Neal Benton → Lt. Keating (Alliance Raider) — Keating is one of the Confederate raiders
• Maj. Neal Benton → Larry Bishop (Social Friend) — Benton befriends Katy's son while staying with them

Story Analysis

Escaped Confederate prisoners execute a retaliatory border raid while concealment, violence, and pursuit drive them toward Canada.

Plot Progression

1. Escape and Retaliation — Confederate prisoners escape from a Union stockade and travel toward Montreal. They form a plan to raid St. Albans for money and revenge.
2. A Dangerous Disguise — The raid leader enters St. Albans under a false identity while the other raiders conceal themselves nearby. His contact with local residents creates personal uncertainty.
3. The Secret Nearly Breaks — A drunken raider disrupts a church service and risks exposing the operation. The leader kills him, then receives public gratitude from people unaware of the truth.
4. Fire and Robbery — The raiders put on Confederate uniforms, take hostages, rob the bank, and burn the town hall. Their covert plan becomes an open attack.
5. Flight Across the Border — A Union force arrives as the raiders flee north on horseback. Burning a bridge delays pursuit and allows them to escape into Canada.