Character Relationship Map: Having Babies

Characters

• Frank Gorman (played by Desi Arnaz Jr.) — protagonist

  Expectant father navigating the emotional journey of childbirth and family life.

• Grace Fontreil (played by Vicki Lawrence) — protagonist

  Expectant mother exploring childbirth methods and family dynamics.

• Sally McNamara (played by Jessica Walter) — supporting

  Expectant mother exploring childbirth preparation and family bonds.

• Mrs. Fontreil (played by Jan Sterling) — supporting

  Experienced mother offering guidance to younger expectant parents.

• Max Duggin (played by Richard Masur) — supporting

  Expectant father dealing with the realities of impending parenthood.

• Beth Paterno (played by Karen Valentine) — supporting

  Expectant mother navigating hospital procedures and family support.

• Mark McNamara (played by Steve Shaw) — minor

  Expectant father or family member in supporting scenes.

• Mickey Paterno (played by Greg Mullavey) — minor

  Supporting family figure during pregnancy preparations.

• Dr. Gorman (played by Joseph G. Medalis) — minor

  Medical professional providing secondary clinical support.

• Allie Duggin (played by Adrienne Barbeau) — supporting

  Expectant mother navigating childbirth and family dynamics.

• Laura Gorman (played by Linda Purl) — supporting

  Family member or partner involved in childbirth journey.

• George McNamara (played by Ronny Cox) — supporting

  Expectant father or family figure in supporting scenes.

Canonical Relationships

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

• Frank Gorman → Grace Fontreil (romantic)

  Central couple exploring Lamaze childbirth method

• Sally McNamara → Mark McNamara (romantic)

  Expectant spouses in the original film

• Max Duggin → Allie Duggin (romantic)

  Husband and wife preparing for delivery

• Beth Paterno → Mickey Paterno (romantic)

  Married couple navigating pregnancy

• Mrs. Fontreil → Grace Fontreil (family)

  Mother-daughter relationship during pregnancy

• Dr. Gorman → Frank Gorman (family)

  Shared surname suggests familial connection

• Sally McNamara → George McNamara (Family Spouses) — Married couple expecting a baby
• Frank Gorman → Laura Gorman (Family Spouses) — Married couple expecting a baby

Story Dynamics

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

• Beth Paterno → Allie Duggin (Social Close Friends) — Bonding during pregnancy journey
• Sally McNamara → Grace Fontreil (Alliance Friends) — Supporting each other through pregnancy
• Laura Gorman → Beth Paterno (Alliance Friends) — Bonding as expectant mothers
• Frank Gorman → George McNamara (Alliance Classmates) — Supporting each other in Lamaze classes

Story Analysis

Four couples navigate pregnancy and childbirth through Lamaze method

Plot Progression

1. Expectation and Anticipation — Four couples come together for Lamaze classes, forming friendships while learning childbirth preparation techniques.
2. Journey Through Pregnancy — The couples navigate physical and emotional changes during pregnancy, facing challenges while strengthening their bonds.
3. Approaching the Due Date — Final preparations intensify as due dates approach, bringing both excitement and anxiety about impending childbirth.
4. The Miracle of Birth — Each couple experiences the intensity of labor and delivery, culminating in the joyful arrival of their babies.