Character Relationship Map: The Fugitive

Characters

• A Fugitive (played by Henry Fonda) — protagonist

  The protagonist, a nameless and conflicted Catholic priest who remains the last in his outlawed country. He hides in rural villages, administers sacraments, and evades capture. After being betrayed an...

• An Indian Woman (played by Dolores del Río) — protagonist

  An outcast Indian woman named Maria Dolores who seeks baptism for her illegitimate child. Deeply moved by the priest's compassion, she develops fierce loyalty toward him. She helps him evade capture b...

• A Lieutenant of Police (played by Pedro Armendáriz) — supporting

  A militant-atheist police officer who commands troops during a brutal village attack and relentlessly hunts the fugitive priest. He orchestrates a deceptive trap using an informer to capture the pries...

• A Police Informer (played by J. Carrol Naish) — supporting

  A greedy and unstable local man who acts as a Judas-like figure. He tracks down the priest and falsely claims a dying bandit requires last rites. This lie is actually a trap set by the police lieutena...

• A Hostage (played by Miguel Inclán) — supporting
• Chief of Police (played by Leo Carrillo) — supporting
• Father Serra (uncredited) (played by Mel Ferrer) — minor
• James Calvert, aka 'El Gringo' (played by Ward Bond) — supporting

  A notorious and murderous North American bandit who arrives in the village. During the police pursuit, he engages the troops in a fierce gun battle to cover the priest's escape, sustaining severe woun...

• Policeman (uncredited) (played by Rodolfo Acosta) — minor
• Mexican (uncredited) (played by José Torvay) — minor
• Man (uncredited) (played by Jack Pennick) — minor
• A Singer (played by Fernando Fernández) — minor
• Police sergeant (played by Robert Armstrong) — supporting
• A Refugee Doctor (played by John Qualen) — supporting
• The Governor's Cousin (played by Fortunio Bonanova) — supporting
• An Organ-Grinder (played by Chris-Pin Martin) — supporting

Story Analysis

A hunted priest's journey from flight to martyrdom illustrates the unbreakable nature of faith under persecution.

Plot Progression

1. Persecution & Flight — A Catholic priest hides in a raided village after missing his escape window. He returns to a desecrated church where he performs a baptism that sparks loyalty.
2. Sanctuary & Betrayal — The priest escapes with a woman's help and finds temporary refuge in another town. A trusted informant tracks him down, leading to a deadly trap.
3. Capture & Condemnation — Authorities apprehend the priest and sentence him to death. Facing execution, he chooses to forgive his betrayer rather than seek vengeance.
4. Martyrdom & Legacy — The priest's execution triggers widespread public mourning and forces officials to acknowledge the resilience of faith. A new priest arrives, continuing the mission.