Character Relationship Map: Tap

Characters

• Max Washington (played by Gregory Hines) — protagonist

  A recently released burglar and talented tap dancer who struggles with his past. He reconnects with his ex-girlfriend Amy, attempts to join a Broadway chorus, faces humiliation at auditions, and must...

• Amy Simms (played by Suzzanne Douglas) — protagonist

  The daughter of Little Mo and Max Washington's former girlfriend. She works as a dancer in an upcoming Broadway show and actively tries to help Max secure a chorus role by recommending him to the chor...

• Little Mo (played by Sammy Davis Jr.) — supporting

  The current owner and manager of a dance studio that was originally owned by Max Washington's late father. He is also the father of Amy Simms.

• Nicky (played by Joe Morton) — supporting

  A local gangster who attempts to recruit Max Washington into a robbery, despite not having a personal fondness for him.

Canonical Relationships

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

• Nicky → Max Washington (Power Recruiter) — Nicky pressures Max toward a criminal path after Max's release from prison.

  Nicky, a local gangster, attempts to recruit Max to participate in a robbery.

• Little Mo → Max Washington (Professional Studio Successor) — Little Mo manages the studio connected to Max's family history.

  Little Mo runs the dance studio that was originally owned by Max's late father.

• Max Washington → Amy Simms (Romantic Former Girlfriend) — Max and Amy share a past romantic relationship that remains emotionally significant.

  Max is interested in seeing Amy, who is explicitly described as his former girlfriend.

• Amy Simms → Little Mo (Family Daughter) — Amy is Little Mo's daughter.

  The plot identifies Amy Simms as Little Mo's daughter.

Story Analysis

A gifted dancer released from prison must choose between reclaiming his art and returning to crime.

Plot Progression

1. Freedom And Old Ties — Max leaves prison after serving time for burglary and returns to the streets. His connection to Amy and his family's former dance studio reopens the possibility of a different life.
2. The Criminal Invitation — Nicky approaches Max with a robbery opportunity despite disliking him personally. At the same time, Amy's presence creates an alternative to Max's criminal past.
3. A Difficult Audition — Amy recommends Max for a Broadway chorus role, but Max is reluctant to accept the opportunity. His audition ends in humiliation, intensifying his struggle with pride.
4. Choosing A Future — Max must decide whether to adapt to the demands of professional dance or abandon his art. Nicky's robbery offer makes the temptation to return to crime immediate.