Character Relationship Map: Accident

Characters

• Stephen (played by Dirk Bogarde) — protagonist

  Stephen is a married Oxford tutor in his forties and the central figure of the story. He is fond of William but secretly desires Anna, sleeps with an old flame while his wife is away, and later rescue...

• Anna (played by Jacqueline Sassard) — supporting

  Anna is a beautiful, enigmatic Austrian student who is secretly desired by Stephen and engaged to William. After a party, she drives because William is too drunk to do so, but crashes outside Stephen'...

• William (played by Michael York) — supporting

  William is a rich and likeable student whom Stephen regards with affection. He is attracted to Anna, hopes to know her better, and becomes engaged to her. After drinking at a party, he plans to go to...

• Rosalind (played by Vivien Merchant) — supporting

  Rosalind is Stephen's wife. She is away from home while expecting their third child, leaving Stephen alone during the events that deepen his fixation on Anna. Her absence also enables Stephen to invit...

• Laura (played by Ann Firbank) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

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

• William → Anna (Romantic Fiancees) — William becomes interested in Anna, and she later announces her intention to marry him.

  Anna tells Stephen she is going to marry William.

• Stephen → Anna (Tutor And Student With Romantic Tension) — Stephen is Anna's tutor, but his feelings and their growing intimacy complicate the relationship; he dismisses it as temporary even though it matters deeply to him.

  The reference says Stephen is tutoring Anna, that they grow closer while Rosalind is away, and that their intimacy creates tension.

• Stephen → Rosalind (Family Husband And Wife) — Stephen's marriage to Rosalind forms the domestic context for his growing attachment to Anna; Rosalind is uneasy about Anna visiting their home.

  The reference identifies Rosalind as Stephen's wife and describes their marriage as a subject of frank exchanges.

Story Dynamics

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

• Rosalind → Anna (Social Uneasy Host And Guest) — Rosalind's discomfort shapes the atmosphere of Anna's visit to Stephen's home.

  Rosalind is uneasy about hosting Anna at the Sunday lunch and considers her a princess.

• Laura → Stephen (Social Confidante) — Laura recognizes Stephen's attachment to Anna and warns him not to make Anna feel that the relationship is the greatest thing in his life.

  Laura's personal letter to Stephen shows that she understands the significance of his feelings and advises him about his relationship with Anna.

• Stephen → William (Social Friends) — Their friendship is unsettled by William's interest in Anna and by their frank conversations about Stephen's life and prospects.

  The reference describes William as Stephen's friend and recounts their conversations about marriage, friendship, and Stephen's prospects.

Story Analysis

An accident and a web of complicated attachments unsettle Stephen's marriage, friendship, and feelings for Anna.

Plot Progression

1. Questions After the Crash — A late-night accident brings Anna to Stephen's house and leaves unanswered questions about the young man's visit. William's interest in Anna draws Stephen into conversations about his role as her tuto...
2. A Sunday at Stephen's Home — Stephen invites Anna to lunch with Rosalind and the children, despite Rosalind's reservations. Frank exchanges between Stephen and William further unsettle their friendship and Stephen's sense of his...
3. Feelings Behind Closed Doors — While Rosalind is away, Stephen and Anna grow closer and spend time together at his house. Laura's letter recognizes the importance of Stephen's feelings, while Stephen tries to describe the relations...
4. A Choice at the Provost's — During a weekend visit that includes a traditional game, Anna tells Stephen she is going to marry William. Stephen congratulates her, and her request that he tell Charley leaves his own feelings unres...