Character Relationship Map: Joker

Characters

• Arthur Fleck (played by Joaquin Phoenix) — protagonist

  Aspiring comedian turned violent vigilante, central figure of the Joker saga.

• Murray Franklin (played by Robert De Niro) — protagonist

  Popular late-night talk show host, becomes a target of Arthur's rebellion.

• Sophie Dumond (played by Zazie Beetz) — supporting

  Arthur's delusional neighbor and love interest, single mother.

• Thomas Wayne (played by Brett Cullen) — supporting

  Wealthy Gotham philanthropist and political candidate, Arthur's target.

• Randall (played by Glenn Fleshler) — supporting

  Arthur's coworker who gives him a gun for self-defense.

• Gary (played by Leigh Gill) — supporting

  Arthur's coworker and friend, shares his clowning struggles.

• Alfred Pennyworth (played by Douglas Hodge) — supporting

  Bruce Wayne's loyal butler and caretaker.

• Martha Wayne (played by Carrie Louise Putrello) — supporting

  Bruce Wayne's mother, murdered in front of young Bruce.

Canonical Relationships

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

• Thomas Wayne → Alfred Pennyworth (Professional Employer And Butler) — Alfred serves the Wayne household and acts protectively during Arthur's visit.

  Alfred is identified as the Wayne family's butler, and he confronts Arthur at Wayne Manor.

• Arthur Fleck → Gary (Professional Coworker) — Gary shares Arthur's clowning workplace and becomes involved in Arthur's violent transformation.

  Gary is described as Arthur's coworker and visits Arthur with Randall before the television appearance.

• Arthur Fleck → Randall (Professional Coworker) — Randall is Arthur's coworker, but their relationship ends in lethal betrayal.

  Randall is identified as Arthur's coworker and gives him a revolver for self-defense.

Story Dynamics

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

• Martha Wayne → Alfred Pennyworth (related)
• Thomas Wayne → Alfred Pennyworth (related)
• Arthur Fleck → Alfred Pennyworth (Conflict Adversaries) — Arthur's attempt to approach the Wayne family is blocked by Alfred.

  Arthur meets Alfred at Wayne Manor and flees after a scuffle with him.

• Arthur Fleck → Thomas Wayne (Conflict Political Opponent) — Arthur's violence and Thomas's public response place them on opposing sides of Gotham's unrest.

  Thomas condemns the subway killings, while Arthur later confronts him at a movie theater.

• Arthur Fleck → Murray Franklin (Social Idol) — Arthur initially regards Murray as a celebrated figure whose approval he desires.

  Murray is described as Arthur's idol, and Arthur watches Murray mock clips of his failed performance.

• Arthur Fleck → Sophie Dumond (Social Neighbor) — Their proximity creates the basis for Arthur's imagined connection with Sophie.

  Arthur pursues a relationship with his neighbor Sophie and visits her apartment.

Story Analysis

Arthur Fleck's social isolation, shattered identity, and public violence transform personal suffering into a citywide symbol of revolt.

Plot Progression

1. A Clown Beneath Gotham — Arthur works as a party clown and dreams of becoming a comedian while coping with uncontrollable laughter. After a street attack, Randall gives him a revolver, creating a dangerous new possibility.
2. The Subway Ignition — Arthur is dismissed after exposing his gun and later kills three businessmen on a subway. The killings inspire clown-masked supporters while social-service cuts remove his medication.
3. A Broken Origin — Arthur's failed comedy routine and a letter about Thomas Wayne intensify his search for identity. Thomas denies the alleged connection, and an Arkham file destroys Arthur's understanding of his past.
4. The Persona Emerges — Arthur discovers that his relationship with Sophie was imaginary and kills his hospitalized mother. He then kills Randall while sparing Gary, fully embracing a violent clown persona.
5. Live Television Inferno — Arthur turns Murray's television show into a public confession and murders the host on live broadcast. Riots free Arthur, and he becomes a celebrated symbol of Gotham's unrest.