Character Relationship Map: Short Changed

Characters

• Stuart Wilkins (played by David Kennedy) — protagonist
• Alison Wilkins (played by Susan Leith) — protagonist
• Tommy Wilkins (played by Jamie Agius) — supporting
• Marshall (played by Ray Meagher) — supporting
• Curly (played by Mark Little) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

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

• Alison Wilkins → Tommy Wilkins (Family Mother) — White mother seeking custody of her son
• Stuart Wilkins → Tommy Wilkins (Family Father) — Aboriginal father fighting for custody of his son
• Stuart Wilkins → Alison Wilkins (Family Ex-Spouse) — Divorced parents in custody battle

Story Dynamics

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

• Alison Wilkins → Marshall (Conflict Opponent) — Marshall likely testifies against Alison in court
• Stuart Wilkins → Curly (Alliance Supporter) — Ally supporting Stuart in his custody fight
• Stuart Wilkins → Marshall (Alliance Mentor) — Political activist providing guidance to Stuart

Story Analysis

Custody battle between Aboriginal father and white mother

Plot Progression

1. The Separation — Stuart and Alison divorce, beginning their custody battle over Tommy.
2. The Legal War — Parents engage in legal proceedings, with cultural differences becoming central to the case.
3. The Human Cost — The emotional toll on Tommy becomes apparent as the court battle intensifies.
4. Resolution — The court makes its decision, and the family begins to adjust to their new reality.