Character Relationship Map: Champion

Characters

• Midge Kelly (played by Kirk Douglas) — protagonist

  Central protagonist and aspiring boxer who rises to championship fame through ruthlessness and manipulation. He abandons his brother and wife, switches managers for personal gain, and ultimately wins...

• Grace Diamond (played by Marilyn Maxwell) — protagonist

  A wealthy socialite and former girlfriend of Johnny Dunne who becomes Midge's romantic interest. She persuades him to switch managers to his new manager for career advancement and is present at his fi...

• Connie Kelly (played by Arthur Kennedy) — supporting

  Midge's loyal younger brother and companion. They travel together to California, work menial jobs, and endure life's hardships. After initially leaving to care for his mother, he returns to support Mi...

• Tommy Haley (played by Paul Stewart) — supporting

  A pragmatic boxing trainer and manager who discovers Midge's potential after his poor debut. He provides essential training and guidance that propels Midge to the championship ranks. Though initially...

• Mrs. Kelly (played by Esther Howard) — supporting
• Emma Bryce (played by Ruth Roman) — supporting

  The daughter of the restaurant owner where Midge and Connie work. Forced into a shotgun marriage with Midge after he is caught with her, she is abandoned but eventually reconciles with Connie. She ret...

• Newspaper Reporter at Benefit (uncredited) (played by Sayre Dearing) — minor
• Tough Tramp in Boxcar (uncredited) (played by Jimmie Dundee) — minor
• Championship Fight Opponent (uncredited) (played by Joe Gray) — minor
• Palmer Harris (played by Lola Albright) — supporting

  A sculptor and the wife of Midge's manager. She develops a romantic relationship with Midge and pushes for a divorce from her husband, but ultimately accepts a financial settlement to end the affair,...

• Newspaper Reporter (uncredited) (played by Don Brodie) — minor
• Newspaper Reporter at Benefit (uncredited) (played by Ralph Brooks) — minor
• Fight Stadium Guard (uncredited) (played by Chuck Hamilton) — minor
• Gangster (uncredited) (played by Paul Dubov) — minor
• Bill Brown (Ringside Broadcaster) (uncredited) (played by Bill Baldwin) — minor
• Championship Fight Announcer (uncredited) (played by Sam Balter) — minor
• Referee Title Fight (uncredited) (played by Mushy Callahan) — minor
• Jerry Harris (played by Luis van Rooten) — supporting

  A wealthy, influential boxing manager with criminal connections. He takes over Midge's management after Grace's persuasion and exerts control over Midge's personal life, financially buying out his aff...

• Johnny Dunne (played by John Daheim) — supporting

  A top-ranked boxer who initially drives Midge to Kansas City. He becomes Midge's first major challenger and is defeated in a single round. Later making a comeback, he wins the grueling final champions...

• Lew (played by Harry Shannon) — supporting

Story Analysis

A boxer's ruthless rise to fame and tragic downfall

Plot Progression

1. The Road to Ambition
2. Rise to Fame
3. The Final Fight