Character Relationship Map: Alimony

Characters

• Howard Turner (played by George Fisher) — protagonist

  A young clubman and Bernice's former romantic interest. He marries Marjorie at Bernice's suggestion, falls victim to her revenge plot, endures manufactured misunderstandings, and eventually resumes hi...

• Bernice Bristol Flint (played by Josephine Whittell) — supporting

  A manipulative grass widow who profits from divorce attorneys. Seeking revenge on Howard for his waning affection, she engineers his marriage to Marjorie, then allies with lawyer Elijah Stone to frame...

• Elijah Stone (played by Arthur Allardt) — supporting

  An unprincipled divorce attorney who assists Bernice in separating the newlyweds. He helps fabricate a legal case against the couple, but ultimately turns state's evidence and is convicted alongside B...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Bernice Bristol Flint → Howard Turner (Former Romantic Interest) — Their former romantic connection turns into resentment and revenge.

  Howard Turner is described as Bernice's former romantic interest, and Bernice becomes furious when his affection wanes.

Story Dynamics

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

• Elijah Stone → Howard Turner (Conflict Legal Adversary) — Elijah uses a manufactured legal case against Howard's marriage.

  Elijah helps fabricate a case designed to destroy the marital happiness of Howard and his bride.

• Bernice Bristol Flint → Elijah Stone (Alliance Conspirator) — They cooperate in a scheme against the marriage.

  Bernice separates the newlyweds with the assistance of the unprincipled lawyer Elijah Stone.

Story Analysis

A rejected woman's revenge scheme manipulates a marriage through fabricated divorce proceedings before the conspiracy is exposed.

Plot Progression

1. A Jilted Woman's Revenge — Bernice Bristol Flint is introduced as a grass widow connected to profitable divorce attorneys. Her anger grows when Howard Turner becomes less devoted to her.
2. Marriage as a Weapon — Bernice manipulates Howard into marrying her charming guest. The marriage becomes the foundation of her intended revenge.
3. The Manufactured Crisis — With Elijah Stone's assistance, Bernice works to separate the newlyweds. A fabricated case and repeated misunderstandings make the couple miserable.
4. The Conspiracy Unravels — The couple remains unable to explain its suffering until confederates of Bernice and Elijah turn state's evidence. Their testimony exposes the scheme.
5. Peace After Conviction — The guilty conspirators are convicted, relieving Howard and his bride. The couple resumes its honeymoon in peace and quiet.