Character Relationship Map: Far North

Characters

• Kate (played by Jessica Lange) — protagonist

  Kate returns from the city to visit her ailing father, Bertrum. He insists that she shoot his difficult horse, Mel, but she refuses and ultimately admits she will not do it. She also suggests that Gra...

• Bertrum (played by Charles Durning) — supporting

  Bertrum is Kate's ailing father, who drinks and insists that she is the only person he trusts to shoot his difficult horse, Mel. His dispute with Kate continues as the family faces other troubles, and...

• Rita (played by Tess Harper) — supporting

  Rita tries to look after Jilly amid the family's effort to keep Jilly from dating and drinking. When Mel escapes, Rita finds the horse and brings him back. Later, she trusts Mel to find his way home a...

• Jilly (played by Patricia Arquette) — supporting

  Jilly is a member of the family whose sisters try to keep her from dating and drinking. Rita attempts to look after her, but the family ends up searching for her in the woods. The sisters become lost...

• Uncle Dane (played by Donald Moffat) — supporting

  Uncle Dane is Bertrum's brother and is in detox during Kate's visit. His presence complicates the argument between Kate and Bertrum about whether Kate should shoot Mel, though the summary gives no fur...

• Grandma (played by Nina Draxten) — supporting

  Grandma is part of the family and is confused by the household upheaval, as well as worried about Bertrum. Kate suggests that she visit her in New York, but Grandma refuses to leave her family behind....

Canonical Relationships

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

• Kate → Jilly (Family Members) — Kate is involved in the search for Jilly and worries about the family's prolonged absence.

  The plot describes the family searching for Jilly, with Kate expressing concern that the search has gone on too long.

• Bertrum → Grandma (Family Members) — Grandma's concern for Bertrum is part of her distress over the household's upheaval.

  Grandma is described as worried about Bertrum.

• Rita → Jilly (Family Caretaker And Dependent) — Rita tries to care for Jilly amid the family's concerns about her dating and drinking.

  The plot says Rita attempts to look after Jilly, whose sisters try to keep her from dating and drinking.

• Kate → Grandma (Family Members) — Kate offers Grandma a chance to visit her in the city, while Grandma chooses to remain with her family.

  Kate suggests that Grandma visit her in New York, but Grandma refuses to leave her family behind.

• Bertrum → Uncle Dane (Family Brothers) — Dane is present in the family setting while Bertrum's drinking and the household's difficulties complicate events.

  The plot identifies Uncle Dane as Bertrum's brother and notes Dane's presence in detox.

• Kate → Bertrum (Family Daughter And Father) — Kate cares enough to return to see Bertrum, but refuses to carry out his demand about Mel.

  Kate returns from the city to visit her ailing father, Bertrum. He insists that she is the only person he trusts to shoot Mel, and they argue over his...

Story Analysis

A family faces conflict at home and uncertainty in the woods as Kate refuses her father's demand and the search for Jilly remains unresolved.

Plot Progression

1. A Return and an Unwanted Demand — Kate returns from the city to visit her ailing father. Bertrum insists she shoot Mel, but Kate refuses, and the dispute is complicated by Bertrum's drinking and Dane's presence in detox.
2. Family Strain at Home — The family struggles to manage Jilly, while Rita tries to look after her. Grandma is confused by the upheaval and worries about Bertrum; she declines Kate's suggestion to visit New York.
3. Mel and the Search — Kate finally says she will not shoot Mel. After Mel escapes, Rita finds him and brings him back, while the search for Jilly leads the family into the woods.
4. Lost Among the Trees — Kate worries that the search has gone on too long, while Bertrum rants about the family and pursues a confrontation. The sisters become lost, look for familiar landmarks such as a radio tower, and rem...