Character Relationship Map: Infamous

Characters

• Truman Capote (played by Toby Jones) — protagonist

  A celebrated flamboyant author in 1950s New York who travels to Kansas to investigate a brutal farm family murder. He builds relationships with inmates Dick Hickock and Perry Smith to write 'In Cold B...

• Nelle Harper Lee (played by Sandra Bullock) — protagonist

  Capote's close friend and fellow writer who accompanies him to Holcomb for research. She provides a grounded perspective on the case and Capote's psychological state, ultimately noting that Capote die...

• Perry Smith (played by Daniel Craig) — supporting

  A convicted murderer sentenced to death who possesses artistic talent, intelligence, and remorse. He initially resists Capote's advances but eventually opens up after discovering their mothers both co...

• Alvin Dewey (played by Jeff Daniels) — supporting

  The lead KBI detective investigating the Holcomb family murders. He is initially uncomfortable with and uncooperative toward Capote due to the author's unconventional appearance and behavior, though l...

• Slim Keith (played by Hope Davis) — supporting

  An aristocratic socialite and member of 'the Swans,' a circle of influential New York women who share gossip with Capote. He intends to use their conversations as material for his upcoming novel befor...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Truman Capote → Perry Smith (Romantic Attachment) — Their intimate attachment becomes the emotional core of the investigation.

  Perry Smith confides that he cannot have the person he has come to love. Capote reciprocates his feelings, and they share a kiss.

Story Dynamics

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

• Nelle Harper Lee → Slim Keith (Unknown Indirect Social Link) — Their connection is indirect and mediated by Capote.

  The plot places Lee alongside Capote during his research and places Slim Keith within Capote's New York social circle, linking them through Capote's t...

• Perry Smith → Alvin Dewey (Conflict Detective And Prisoner) — Their connection is defined by the investigation and Smith's conviction.

  Alvin Dewey leads the investigation into the murders, while Perry Smith is arrested, convicted, and sentenced to death for them.

• Truman Capote → Slim Keith (Social Associate) — Keith belongs to Capote's influential New York social circle.

  Capote spends time with Slim Keith and the other Swans, who share gossip with him in New York society.

• Truman Capote → Alvin Dewey (Conflict Investigative Obstacle) — Dewey's distrust blocks Capote's access to official case information.

  Alvin Dewey is uncomfortable with Capote's appearance and demeanor and initially refuses to cooperate with him.

• Truman Capote → Nelle Harper Lee (Social Close Friend) — A longstanding friendship that connects Capote's investigation to his personal decline.

  Truman Capote and Nelle Harper Lee travel together to Holcomb for his investigation. Nelle later comments on Capote's psychological decline and receiv...

Story Analysis

A writer transforms a murder investigation into literary success while becoming emotionally bound to the condemned man whose story he records.

Plot Progression

1. Gossip Before Kansas — Capote thrives in New York society and secretly considers using the Swans' gossip in Answered Prayers. A newspaper article redirects his attention toward the Holcomb murders.
2. The Holcomb Investigation — Capote and Lee travel to Holcomb to research the massacre. Local distrust and Dewey's refusal to cooperate force Capote to win information through personal charm.
3. Prisoners And Pages — After Smith's conviction and death sentence, Capote begins interviewing him in prison. Smith resists financial persuasion until their shared maternal trauma creates trust.
4. Love And Betrayal — Smith feels betrayed by Capote's planned book and attacks him. After Capote explains the title and Smith reads the draft, Smith finally reveals his account and admits his love.
5. The Blank Page — The appeals last five years before Capote witnesses the execution. The successful book brings fame and wealth, but Smith's death leaves Capote unable to recover or finish Answered Prayers.