Character Relationship Map: We Have a Ghost

Characters

• Ernest (played by David Harbour) — protagonist

  A mute, amnesiac ghost discovered by Kevin in the attic. Identified by his bowling shirt, he is revealed to be Randy, a former CIA asset murdered by Ernest Scheller. After being captured and tortured,...

• Dr. Leslie Monroe (played by Tig Notaro) — supporting

  A former CIA ghost-capture program director and horror writer. She initially helps FBI agents capture the ghost, gets the kids branded as fugitives, but later experiences a change of heart and frees R...

• Ernest Scheller (played by Tom Bower) — supporting

  The former owner of the Presley house and the main antagonist. He murdered Randy to steal his daughter June for his infertile wife. He attacks the Presley home, attempting to kill Kevin, but is ultima...

Story Dynamics

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

• Ernest Scheller → Dr. Leslie Monroe (Conflict Opposing Pursuers) — Both affect the ghost's fate, but they pursue different objectives.

  Monroe pursues and captures the ghost, while Scheller later attacks the household to conceal his own murder.

• Ernest → Dr. Leslie Monroe (Conflict Captive) — Ernest becomes Monroe's captured subject before her change of heart.

  Monroe works with FBI agents to capture Ernest, and the ghost is held and tortured with a specialized weapon.

• Ernest → Ernest Scheller (Conflict Murder Victim) — Ernest is the victim of Scheller's concealed murder.

  The former house owner is revealed to have murdered the ghost after arranging to take the ghost's daughter.

Story Analysis

A family discovers a forgotten ghost and becomes entangled in a dangerous search for his identity, justice, and release.

Plot Progression

1. The Ghost in the Attic — The family moves into a cheap abandoned house, where the youngest son discovers a mute, amnesiac ghost. A recorded video and a chosen name turn the frightening discovery into a personal mystery.
2. A Mystery Made Public — The children investigate an old photograph and uncover a connection between Ernest and the former owner. Meanwhile, the father's attempts to monetize the ghost attract dangerous outside attention.
3. The Fugitive Search — A former government ghost hunter leads an effort to capture Ernest, forcing the children and the ghost onto the road. Their search reaches Oklahoma, where the former owner supplies a misleading accoun...
4. Murder Revealed — Ernest is captured and tortured, but his recovered memory exposes the former owner's murder. The ghost hunter changes sides and releases him before the killer attacks the family home.
5. A Peaceful Goodbye — The killer is defeated during the attic confrontation. Ernest reunites with his grown daughter, says goodbye to the boy who helped him, and crosses over, leaving behind a possible final sign.