Character Relationship Map: Benjamin

Characters

• Sophie (played by Kimberly Laferriere) — protagonist
• Della (played by Joanne Boland) — protagonist
• Teddy (played by Jean-Michel Le Gal) — supporting
• Cal (played by Jimi Shlag) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

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

• Della → Cal (Professional Surrogate Father) — Professional surrogacy arrangement
• Sophie → Teddy (Professional Surrogate Father) — Professional surrogacy arrangement
• Sophie → Della (Romantic Partner) — Lesbian partners planning to have children together

Story Dynamics

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

• Della → Teddy (Social Friend) — Friends through the surrogacy arrangement
• Sophie → Cal (Social Friend) — Friends through the surrogacy arrangement
• Teddy → Cal (Social Friend) — Friends who agreed to be surrogate fathers together

Story Analysis

Two gay couples confront profound loss and an impossible decision after a surrogate pregnancy ends in stillbirth.

Plot Progression

1. Expecting Parenthood — Two gay couples are introduced as soon-to-be parents. Their hopes are tied to a surrogate pregnancy.
2. A Pregnancy In Progress — The surrogate pregnancy forms the central situation connecting the two couples. The prospect of parenthood remains the apparent focus.
3. The Stillbirth — The surrogate pregnancy ends in a stillbirth. This loss radically changes the emotional circumstances facing the couples.
4. The Impossible Choice — The two couples must respond to the aftermath of the stillbirth. They are left facing an impossible decision as soon-to-be parents.