Josh Baskin (played by Tom Hanks) is a protagonist in Big.
A thirteen-year-old boy who accidentally transforms into an adult after wishing on a Zoltar fortune-teller machine. He navigates the corporate world at MacMillan Toys, impresses executives with his childlike creativity, and develops a romance with Susan Lawrence. Ultimately, he learns to value his childhood and wishes to return to his original form to reunite with his family and best friend. Susan (played by Elizabeth Perkins) is a protagonist in Big.
A fellow executive at MacMillan Toys who becomes Josh's romantic partner. She manages the business aspects of his toy proposals and initially misinterprets his childhood-related doubts as fear of commitment. After discovering the Zoltar machine at the park, she accepts the truth and helps drive him back home, sharing an emotional farewell. MacMillan (played by Robert Loggia) appears in Big.
The owner of MacMillan Toy Company who discovers Josh at FAO Schwarz. Impressed by his fresh perspective and childlike enthusiasm for toys, MacMillan promotes him to Vice President of Product Development and entrusts him with major marketing campaigns and new toy proposals. Paul (played by John Heard) appears in Big.
The leader of the pitch meeting at MacMillan Toys who grows increasingly annoyed by Josh's straightforward critique of the company's toys and his sudden promotion. He harbors animosity toward Josh and is dismayed by Susan's romantic interest in him. Billy (played by Jared Rushton) appears in Big.
Josh's childhood best friend who helps verify his identity and later assists in locating the Zoltar machine. Despite Josh's demanding adult schedule straining their friendship, Billy remains a loyal companion and joyfully reunites with Josh when he returns to his childhood form.
Big (1988) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Josh Baskin
(played by Tom Hanks) — protagonist
A thirteen-year-old boy who accidentally transforms into an adult after wishing on a Zoltar fortune-teller machine. He navigates the corporate world at MacMillan Toys, impresses executives with his ch...
Susan
(played by Elizabeth Perkins) — protagonist
A fellow executive at MacMillan Toys who becomes Josh's romantic partner. She manages the business aspects of his toy proposals and initially misinterprets his childhood-related doubts as fear of comm...
MacMillan
(played by Robert Loggia) — supporting
The owner of MacMillan Toy Company who discovers Josh at FAO Schwarz. Impressed by his fresh perspective and childlike enthusiasm for toys, MacMillan promotes him to Vice President of Product Developm...
Paul
(played by John Heard) — supporting
The leader of the pitch meeting at MacMillan Toys who grows increasingly annoyed by Josh's straightforward critique of the company's toys and his sudden promotion. He harbors animosity toward Josh and...
Billy
(played by Jared Rushton) — supporting
Josh's childhood best friend who helps verify his identity and later assists in locating the Zoltar machine. Despite Josh's demanding adult schedule straining their friendship, Billy remains a loyal c...
Key Relationships
Susan → Billy
(Social Acquaintance)
Paul → MacMillan
(Professional Subordinate)
Susan → MacMillan
(Professional Colleague)
Susan → Paul
(Romantic Ex-Partner)
Josh Baskin → Paul
(Conflict Rival)
Josh Baskin → MacMillan
(Professional Boss)
Josh Baskin → Susan
(Romantic Lover)
Josh Baskin → Billy
(Social Best Friend)
Story Analysis
A magical transformation forces a boy to navigate adult responsibilities before choosing to return to childhood.
Plot Progression
The Wish and the Awakening
Corporate Ascent and Romance
The Weight of Adulthood
The Return to Childhood
Directed by Penny Marshall
Big (1988) · 7.2/10 · comedy, drama, family, fantasy, romance
