Character Relationship Map: Aardvark

Characters

• Josh Norman (played by Zachary Quinto) — protagonist

  Josh is Emily’s patient, returning to therapy while trying to manage an unnamed condition and get his life together. His brother’s return prompts him to speak about their complicated relationship and...

• Emily Milburton (played by Jenny Slate) — protagonist

  Emily is Josh’s therapist, trying to understand his symptoms while questioning what is real about his accounts of Craig. She consults Don about the limits of assessing Josh without medical records, bu...

• Craig Norman (played by Jon Hamm) — supporting

  Craig is Josh’s brother, returning to town after fifteen or sixteen years away. Josh describes him as a talented actor with unusual physical abilities who studied clowning in Europe, and says Craig ha...

• Don Herremans (played by Stephen Schnetzer) — supporting

  Don is a colleague whom Emily consults about Josh’s case. He questions the absence of medical records and cautions her against diagnosing Josh based on limited information. His role underscores the un...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Emily Milburton → Craig Norman (Romantic Attraction) — Emily's feelings for Craig complicate her relationship with Josh; she asks Craig to remain and let his brother know he is real.

  The plot states that Emily eventually falls for Craig. Before he leaves town, she urges him to stay and see Josh.

• Emily Milburton → Don Herremans (Professional Consultation) — Don advises Emily to be cautious in assessing Josh because she lacks medical records and sufficient information.

  Emily consults Don about Josh, and Don questions the lack of medical records and cautions her against diagnosing him with limited information.

• Josh Norman → Craig Norman (Family Estranged Brothers) — Their bond is marked by long separation and indirect financial support. Craig's return raises the unresolved question of whether the brothers will meet and how real Josh's encounters with him have bee...

  Josh says Craig is his brother and has been away for fifteen or sixteen years. Craig has sent Josh money every month for years but has never contacted...

• Emily Milburton → Josh Norman (Professional Therapist And Patient) — Emily tries to understand Josh's symptoms, but their professional boundaries become uncertain as she checks on him and their relationship turns personal.

  Josh returns to therapy with Emily, and their sessions cover his condition, medication, family, and perceptions of Craig.

Story Analysis

Josh's return to therapy brings his complicated bond with Craig into focus, while uncertain perceptions and blurred boundaries leave the truth unresolved.

Plot Progression

1. A Patient Returns — Josh resumes therapy with Emily and says he wants to get his life together. He has a new coffeehouse job and takes prescriptions but avoids explaining his medical history.
2. The Brother's Return — Josh explains that Craig has returned after years away and has supported him with monthly payments without direct contact. Josh also begins revealing his longstanding condition and family history.
3. Uncertain Encounters — Emily seeks advice from Don while trying to understand Josh's accounts of encountering Craig in different forms. Josh challenges her uncertainty and leaves, while their relationship becomes increasing...
4. Hospital Revelations — After being beaten, Josh wakes in a hospital and learns the police want to speak with him. He raises concern for a girl, admits seeing Craig, and reveals his intimacy with Emily.
5. A Meeting Deferred — Craig prepares to leave town, and Emily urges him to see Josh and affirm his reality to his brother. Craig doubts that Josh needs convincing, and the brothers' meeting remains unresolved.