Character Relationship Map: Rain Man

Characters

• Raymond Babbitt (played by Dustin Hoffman) — protagonist

  Charlie's estranged elder brother and an autistic savant. He inherits $3 million and follows strict daily routines. Possessing perfect recall and exceptional mathematical abilities, he assists Charlie...

• Charlie Babbitt (played by Tom Cruise) — protagonist

  An arrogant collectibles dealer deeply in debt after his business fails. Initially motivated by his estranged father's $3 million estate, he removes his autistic brother Raymond from an institution to...

• Susanna (played by Valeria Golino) — supporting

  Charlie's girlfriend who travels with him to Cincinnati. She grows disheartened by Charlie's exploitative treatment of Raymond and temporarily leaves him. She later rejoins the brothers in Las Vegas a...

• Dr. Bruner (played by Gerald R. Molen) — supporting

  Raymond's attending physician at the local mental institution. He initially refuses Charlie's financial offer to release Raymond. Later, he meets Charlie in Los Angeles, offering $250,000 to relinquis...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Raymond Babbitt → Dr. Bruner (Professional Patient And Attending Physician) — Dr. Bruner oversees Raymond's care and participates in the decisions about whether Raymond will remain in the institution or live with Charlie.

  Dr. Bruner is Raymond's attending physician at the institution. He accompanies Raymond on the train back to the institution after the custody discussi...

• Charlie Babbitt → Susanna (Romantic Boyfriend And Girlfriend) — Susanna challenges Charlie's exploitative behavior toward Raymond; after Charlie changes, she returns and reconciles with him.

  Susanna is identified as Charlie's girlfriend and travels with him to Cincinnati. She leaves after becoming disheartened by his treatment of Raymond,...

• Charlie Babbitt → Raymond Babbitt (Family Estranged Brothers Turned Closer) — Charlie initially seeks custody to gain control of the estate, but learning about Raymond's childhood and traveling with him changes his motive toward maintaining a genuine brotherly relationship.

  Charlie learns that Raymond is his elder brother and takes him from the institution during the trip. He later tells Raymond he is happy to have him as...

Story Dynamics

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

• Raymond Babbitt → Susanna (Social Travel Companions) — Susanna is present during parts of Raymond and Charlie's journey and returns to the brothers in Las Vegas.

  Susanna travels with Charlie to Cincinnati, where Charlie takes Raymond from the institution. She later rejoins the brothers in Las Vegas.

• Charlie Babbitt → Dr. Bruner (Conflict Custody Adversaries) — Their disagreement over Raymond's custody begins as a dispute tied to the inheritance and ends with Charlie choosing a relationship with his brother over money.

  Charlie asks Dr. Bruner for half the estate in exchange for Raymond's return, and Dr. Bruner refuses. Later, Dr. Bruner offers Charlie $250,000 to wal...

Story Analysis

A financially desperate man discovers his autistic brother and moves from seeking an inheritance to valuing a relationship with him.

Plot Progression

1. Debt and the Hidden Heir — Charlie faces trouble with his imported cars, then travels to Cincinnati after learning of his father's death. The estate leads him to Raymond, his previously unknown elder brother.
2. A Bargain and a Departure — Charlie tries to use Raymond's return as leverage for a share of the estate, but Dr. Bruner refuses. Charlie then sets out with Raymond, while Susanna leaves over his treatment of him.
3. The Brothers on the Road — Raymond's routines and objections shape the brothers' slow drive toward Los Angeles. Charlie discovers Raymond's exceptional abilities and recognizes the childhood connection behind his remembered 'Ra...
4. Debt and the Blackjack Table — The repossession of the cars leaves Charlie owing money. In Las Vegas, he and Raymond use Raymond's counting ability at blackjack, win enough to cover the debt, and reunite with Susanna.
5. A Brother, Not an Inheritance — Back in Los Angeles, Charlie refuses Dr. Bruner's offer to give up Raymond. He chooses a continuing relationship with his brother, who returns by train with Dr. Bruner, while Charlie promises to visit...