Character Relationship Map: Hard Pill

Characters

• Tim (played by Jonathan Slavin) — protagonist

  Tim is a lonely gay man who volunteers for New Day’s drug trial, hoping the medication will make him heterosexual. After the treatment appears to work, he has sex with his best friend Sally, then leav...

• Joey (played by Scotch Ellis Loring) — protagonist

  Joey is Tim’s friend and opposes Tim’s decision to volunteer for the clinical trial of a drug intended to change gay men’s sexual orientation. His objection places him on the other side of Tim’s choic...

• Sally (played by Susan Slome) — supporting

  Sally is Tim’s best friend and has long been in love with him. After Tim returns from the drug treatment believing it has changed his orientation, he has sexual contact with her, but then distances hi...

• Don (played by Mike Begovich) — supporting

  Don is one of Tim’s friends. When Don attempts suicide, the event becomes a turning point for Tim: he decides to stop taking the pills and return to his former life. Don’s crisis therefore has a direc...

• Tanya (played by Jennifer Elise Cox) — supporting

  Tanya is the woman Tim begins dating after the treatment appears to have changed his sexual orientation. Tim chooses her over Sally, but his new relationship is complicated by his need to increase the...

• Matt (played by Jason Bushman) — supporting

  Matt is Tim’s attractive male coworker. After Tim stops taking the pills and returns to his former life, he discovers that Matt had been hoping for this outcome. Matt’s interest connects Tim’s workpla...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Tim → Tanya (Romantic Girlfriend) — Tanya becomes Tim's partner during his heterosexual phase.

  Tim begins a relationship with Tanya, described as another woman who is more attractive.

• Tim → Matt (Professional Coworker) — Their workplace connection becomes important when Tim returns to his authentic orientation.

  Matt is described as Tim's attractive coworker.

Story Dynamics

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

• Tim → Don (Social Friend) — Don's crisis strongly affects Tim's understanding of the treatment.

  Tim decides to stop taking the pills after Don attempts suicide.

• Tim → Sally (Social Best Friend) — Sally is one of Tim's closest friends before the treatment changes their relationship.

  Sally is described as Tim's best female friend.

• Tim → Joey (Social Best Friend) — Joey is Tim's close friend and challenges his decision to change himself.

  Joey is identified as Tim's friend and opposes Tim's decision to join the clinical trial.

Story Analysis

Tim's attempt to change his sexual orientation exposes the emotional and social cost of denying his authentic identity.

Plot Progression

1. A Desperate Experiment — Tim feels lonely and volunteers for New Day's clinical trial despite Joey's opposition. His choice creates controversy within the gay community.
2. A Manufactured New Life — The treatment apparently succeeds, and Tim returns home changed. He has sexual contact with Sally before distancing himself and beginning a relationship with Tanya.
3. The Cost Of Change — Tim's attraction to men persists, forcing him to increase the dosage. His new orientation disrupts his relationships with both gay and heterosexual friends.
4. Choosing An Authentic Life — Don's suicide attempt makes Tim reconsider the medication. Tim stops taking the pills and returns toward his true life, discovering Matt's desire for him.