Character Relationship Map: Me, Natalie

Characters

• Natalie Miller (played by Patty Duke) — protagonist

  Protagonist. A self-conscious Brooklyn teen who struggles with self-image and social rejection. After her uncle's death and her friend Shirley's overdose, she moves to Manhattan, works as a waitress,...

• David Harris (played by James Farentino) — protagonist

  A neighbor and aspiring artist who initially models for nude women. He becomes Natalie's romantic interest, encouraging her self-confidence. However, he is already married with two children, leading t...

• Uncle Harold (played by Martin Balsam) — supporting

  Natalie's beloved uncle who offers her emotional support and validates her inner worth. His unexpected death deeply impacts Natalie and indirectly leads to Shirley's downward spiral into grief and dru...

• Cheerleader (played by Susan Lucci) — minor
• Morris (played by Bob Balaban) — supporting

  An awkward aspiring optometrist whom Natalie's father tries to bribe into marrying her. The revelation of this marriage arrangement enrages Natalie and serves as the catalyst for her moving out of her...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Natalie Miller → David Harris (Romantic Interest) — Their romance becomes the central adult relationship in Natalie's life.

  Natalie becomes attracted to David, and their friendship gradually develops into romance.

• Natalie Miller → Uncle Harold (Family Niece And Uncle) — Harold is Natalie's supportive uncle and an important family figure.

  The plot identifies Harold as Natalie's beloved uncle and describes his emotional importance to her.

Story Dynamics

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

• Natalie Miller → Cheerleader (Social Aspirant) — The cheerleader represents a social ideal Natalie unsuccessfully pursues.

  Natalie's effort to become a cheerleader fails, while the cheerleader role is associated with the popular social world she wants to enter.

• Natalie Miller → Morris (Conflict Marriage Arrangement Opponent) — Morris is involved in the unwanted marriage arrangement that drives Natalie from home.

  Natalie's father attempts to bribe Morris to marry her, and Natalie becomes incensed after learning about the scheme.

Story Analysis

A self-conscious young woman moves from dependence on external approval toward emotional independence and responsibility for her own happiness.

Plot Progression

1. A Face She Cannot Accept — Natalie grows up feeling unattractive and fails at several attempts to enter popular social life. Harold briefly gives her hope by valuing her inner qualities.
2. Love, Loss, and Disillusionment — Harold's engagement undermines Natalie's faith in his advice, and his sudden death leaves her emotionally withdrawn. A later encounter with grief exposes the limits of outward beauty.
3. Breaking From Home — Natalie's parents worry about her lack of work and romantic prospects. Discovering the attempt to arrange her marriage to Morris pushes her to leave home.
4. A New Life in Greenwich Village — Natalie establishes herself in Manhattan, repairs the vacant apartment, and begins working as a cocktail waitress. She meets David, whose artistic life attracts her.
5. Love With a Boundary — David and Natalie fall in love, but Natalie discovers that he has a wife and two sons. After confronting him, she ultimately leaves a farewell letter and chooses independence.