Character Relationship Map: Square Dance

Characters

• Dillard (played by Jason Robards) — protagonist

  Gemma's grandfather who lives with her on a farm in the Texas Panhandle before she moves to the city.

• Gemma (played by Winona Ryder) — supporting

  A 13-year-old country girl who moves to Fort Worth, experiences culture shock, befriends Rory, and eventually returns to the country.

• Rory (played by Rob Lowe) — supporting

  A 21-year-old man with an intellectual disability whom Gemma meets in the city; they spend time together and imagine being married.

Key Relationships

• Gemma → Rory (Social Playmates)
• Dillard → Gemma (Family Grandfather)

Story Analysis

A coming-of-age journey exploring rural roots, urban displacement, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.

Plot Progression

1. Roots in the Panhandle
2. Urban Awakening
3. Imagined Futures
4. Return to the Soil