Character Relationship Map: Liliom

Characters

• Liliom Zadowski (played by Charles Boyer) — protagonist

  Liliom Zadowski is the central figure, a carousel barker whose affair with Mme. Moscat ends when he defends Julie and Marie from her insults. He lives with Julie, rejects a chance to return to the car...

• Hollinger (played by Alexandre Rignault) — supporting

  Hollinger is a rival barker at Mme. Moscat's carousel. He tries to get Liliom into trouble by telling Mme. Moscat that Liliom flirts with female customers behind her back, helping provoke the conflict...

• The Commissioner (played by Henri Richard) — supporting

  The Commissioner is an official in the afterlife who judges Liliom after his suicide. He examines the reasons for Liliom's violence toward Julie, shows him evidence of his behavior, and sentences him...

• Alfred (played by Pierre Alcover) — supporting

  Alfred is Liliom's criminal friend and the practical instigator of the robbery plan. He proposes robbing the local payroll clerk and insists that both men carry knives. When the attempt fails, Alfred...

Canonical Relationships

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

• The Commissioner → Liliom Zadowski (Power Judge) — The Commissioner exercises formal judgment over Liliom's soul.

  The Commissioner questions Liliom after death and sentences him to sixteen years in Purgatory for his pride and violence.

• Liliom Zadowski → Hollinger (Professional Rival) — Hollinger competes with Liliom professionally and actively undermines him.

  Both men work as barkers at the carousel, and Hollinger tries to get Liliom in trouble by reporting his behavior to the carousel manager.

Story Dynamics

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

• Liliom Zadowski → Alfred (Social Friend) — Alfred is Liliom's close criminal associate.

  The plot identifies Alfred as Liliom's criminal friend before Alfred proposes a payroll robbery.

Story Analysis

A violent and selfish man confronts the consequences of his actions and receives redemption through his child's interpretation of his flawed love.

Plot Progression

1. Carousel Trouble — Liliom works as a carousel barker while Hollinger undermines him. A confrontation over customers results in Liliom's dismissal and departure.
2. A Failing Home — Liliom begins living in a run-down trailer and falls into idleness, drinking, and violent arguments. A renewed employment offer is rejected as financial and family pressures grow.
3. The Ruined Robbery — Alfred persuades Liliom to join a payroll robbery. The attempt fails, Alfred escapes, and Liliom chooses self-destruction rather than arrest.
4. Judgment Beyond Death — After death, Liliom is examined by the Commissioner and confronted with a record of his violence. He receives a sixteen-year sentence in Purgatory with one conditional earthly visit.
5. The Kiss Within The Slap — Liliom returns to Earth and fails to communicate love to his child. The child's unexpected interpretation transforms the judgment and brings spiritual redemption.