Character Relationship Map: The Turning

Characters

• Glory Lawson (played by Karen Allen) — protagonist

  Mark's romantic partner, which triggers the parents' separation. Cliff confronts her as a homewrecker, and later holds her at knifepoint. She briefly aims a gun at Cliff during a standoff but is dissu...

• Mark Harnish (played by Raymond J. Barry) — protagonist

  Cliff's father and the subject of the divorce. Initially dating Glory, he disowns Cliff after a confrontation. During a violent standoff, he refuses to shoot his son, disarms him, and tells him to acc...

• Martha Harnish (played by Tess Harper) — supporting

  Cliff's mother who struggles with alcoholism following her divorce from Mark.

• April Cavanaugh (played by Gillian Anderson) — supporting

  Cliff's ex-girlfriend who has an awkward reunion with him upon his return to town.

Key Relationships

• Mark Harnish → April Cavanaugh (Social Acquaintance)
• Mark Harnish → Glory Lawson (Romantic Dating Partner)
• Mark Harnish → Martha Harnish (Family Ex-Spouses)

Story Analysis

A troubled teen's extremist rebellion against his parents' divorce culminates in a violent standoff and eventual paternal reconciliation.

Plot Progression

1. Return and Realization
2. Ideological Confrontation
3. Hostage Crisis
4. Pain and Reconciliation