Character Relationship Map: Floundering

Characters

• John (played by James Le Gros) — protagonist

  Unemployed and aimless young man living alone in Venice after the LA riots. Struggles with frozen bank accounts, lost unemployment benefits, an unfaithful girlfriend, and a drug-addicted brother. Expe...

• Shaman (played by Shaka) — protagonist
• Catatonic Man (played by Zander Schloss) — supporting
• JC (played by John Cusack) — supporting
• Gal (played by Nina Siemaszko) — supporting

  John's unfaithful girlfriend who contributes to his personal struggles during his downward spiral.

• Guy (played by Jeremy Piven) — supporting
• Breadstore Clerk (played by Dolores DeLuce) — supporting
• Yolanda (played by Yolanda García) — supporting
• Paper Thief (played by Eddie Baytos) — supporting
• Elle (played by Maritza Rivera) — supporting

Key Relationships

• John → John (Narrative Protagonist)
• John → Yolanda (Social Encounter)
• John → Elle (Social Encounter)
• John → Paper Thief (Conflict Antagonist)
• John → Breadstore Clerk (Professional Service Provider)
• John → Guy (Social Drug User)
• John → Catatonic Man (Social Encounter)
• John → Shaman (Social Spirit Guide)
• John → JC (Social Former Liberal)
• John → Gal (Romantic Girlfriend)

Story Analysis

A protagonist's psychological and financial collapse in post-riot Los Angeles, resolved through unexpected charity and departure.

Plot Progression

1. Crisis in Venice
2. Surreal Encounters
3. Descent into Darkness
4. Charity and Renewal