Harvey (played by Martin Mull) is a protagonist in Serial.
Harvey Holroyd is an uptight husband and father facing a mid-life crisis as his marriage deteriorates and his teenage daughter becomes involved with a cult. He separates from Kate, awkwardly begins seeing Marlene, and seeks a better-paying job through corporate recruiter Luckman. He later helps rescue his daughter, reunites with Kate, and prepares to move to Denver for a new job. Kate (played by Tuesday Weld) is a protagonist in Serial.
Kate is Harvey's wife and the mother of their rebellious teenage daughter. She and her friends embrace the sexual revolution and new age consciousness, while her relationship with Harvey breaks down and leads to a separation. She becomes involved with Paco, but eventually reconciles with Harvey for their daughter's sake; they renew their vows and prepare for a new life in Denver. Joan (played by Jennifer McAllister) appears in Serial.
Joan, called Joanie in the story, is Harvey and Kate's rebellious teenage daughter. After throwing a party while her parents are away, she is drawn to a flower-peddling cult, initially finding peace there before becoming virtually imprisoned in the cult's house in the city. Her predicament brings her parents back together and prompts Harvey and others to mount a rescue. Stella (played by Patch Mackenzie) appears in Serial.
Stella is Harvey's newly hired secretary. She makes advances toward him and lures him to an orgy, though Harvey tries to avoid her advances. Her involvement occurs during the period when Harvey and Kate are separated and each becomes sexually involved with someone else. Marlene (played by Stacey Nelkin) appears in Serial.
Serial (1980) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Harvey
(played by Martin Mull) — protagonist
Harvey Holroyd is an uptight husband and father facing a mid-life crisis as his marriage deteriorates and his teenage daughter becomes involved with a cult. He separates from Kate, awkwardly begins se...
Kate
(played by Tuesday Weld) — protagonist
Kate is Harvey's wife and the mother of their rebellious teenage daughter. She and her friends embrace the sexual revolution and new age consciousness, while her relationship with Harvey breaks down a...
Joan
(played by Jennifer McAllister) — supporting
Joan, called Joanie in the story, is Harvey and Kate's rebellious teenage daughter. After throwing a party while her parents are away, she is drawn to a flower-peddling cult, initially finding peace t...
Stella
(played by Patch Mackenzie) — minor
Stella is Harvey's newly hired secretary. She makes advances toward him and lures him to an orgy, though Harvey tries to avoid her advances. Her involvement occurs during the period when Harvey and Ka...
Marlene
(played by Stacey Nelkin) — minor
Canonical Relationships
Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.
Harvey → Marlene
(Romantic Interest)
After separating from Kate, Harvey begins seeing Marlene, a nineteen-year-old supermarket cashier.
Harvey → Stella
(Professional Employer And Secretary)
Stella is described as Harvey's newly hired secretary.
Kate → Joan
(Family Mother)
Joan is presented as the daughter of Harvey and Kate, and the parents work to reunite the family after Joan is confined.
Harvey → Joan
(Family Father)
The plot describes Joan as Harvey's rebellious teenage daughter and says that Harvey and Kate reunite for her sake.
Harvey → Kate
(Family Husband)
The plot explicitly identifies Kate as Harvey's wife. Their marriage deteriorates, they separate, and later reunite and renew their vows.
Story Analysis
A strained family confronts sexual confusion, generational rebellion, and cult confinement before rebuilding its bonds.
