Character Relationship Map: Big

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...

• Cynthia's Friend (played by Erika Katz) — minor
• Cynthia Benson (played by Kimberlee M. Davis) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

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

• MacMillan → Josh Baskin (Professional Employer) — MacMillan gives Josh access to the professional world of toy development.

  MacMillan discovers Josh at FAO Schwarz, invites him to a marketing meeting, and promotes him to Vice President of Product Development.

• Paul → Susan (Romantic Former Boyfriend) — Paul's past relationship with Susan contributes to his resentment toward Josh.

  The plot identifies Paul as Susan's former boyfriend and says he is dismayed by her romantic interest in Josh.

• Josh Baskin → Susan (Romantic Partner) — Their relationship becomes central to Josh's adult life before his return to childhood.

  Josh attracts Susan's attention at MacMillan Toys, and the two enter into a steady romantic relationship.

Story Dynamics

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

• Billy → Susan (Narrative Informant) — Billy provides Susan with the information that leads her to the Zoltar machine.

  After Susan follows Josh, she encounters Billy, who tells her where Josh went.

• Josh Baskin → Paul (Conflict Professional Rival) — Josh's direct ideas and rapid advancement make him Paul's workplace rival.

  Paul leads the toy pitch, becomes annoyed when Josh criticizes the proposed toy, and harbors animosity toward Josh after his sudden promotion.

• Cynthia's Friend → Cynthia Benson (friend)
• Josh Baskin → Billy (Social Best Friend) — Billy remains Josh's loyal childhood companion throughout the transformation.

  Billy is identified as Josh's childhood best friend and helps verify Josh's identity by recognizing their private song.

Story Analysis

A child experiences adulthood through a magical transformation and ultimately chooses to return to childhood.

Plot Progression

1. The Wish That Changes Everything — Josh is rejected at the carnival and wishes to be big through the Zoltar machine. He wakes as an adult and loses access to his former home and identity.
2. A Child In An Adult World — Billy confirms Josh's identity and helps him understand that finding Zoltar will take weeks. Josh relocates to New York City and begins working at MacMillan Toy Company.
3. Success Among The Toys — Josh impresses MacMillan at FAO Schwarz and challenges the company's conventional toy ideas. His creativity earns him a promotion but also provokes Paul's resentment.
4. The Cost Of Growing Up — Josh's romance with Susan deepens while his friendship with Billy receives less attention. Professional pressure and his failed attempt to explain his true identity make him long for childhood.
5. The Long Way Home — Billy locates Zoltar at Sea Point Park, allowing Josh to reverse the wish. Susan accepts the truth, says goodbye, and helps Josh return to his family and childhood.