Kyle Hanson (played by Dirk Benedict) is a protagonist in Ruckus.
Emotionally bruised Vietnam veteran and drifter who flees a Southern town after a violent altercation. He evades local bullies and law enforcement, hides with Jenny Bellows, and ultimately defeats the townspeople using special forces training and guerrilla tactics before finding temporary refuge on a river island. Jenny Bellows (played by Linda Blair) is a protagonist in Ruckus.
Young mother whose husband was presumed dead in Vietnam. Initially frightened by Kyle, she becomes sympathetic, offers him shelter and clean clothes, and accompanies him to a carnival. She later helps alert authorities during the final confrontation and advocates for Kyle's safety. Sheriff Jethro Pough (played by Richard Farnsworth) appears in Ruckus.
Local sheriff who investigates Kyle's background and discovers his military psychiatric history. He officially confirms Jenny's husband's death to her and eventually arrives at the river confrontation, ultimately permitting Kyle to remain on the island after the hostile mob flees. Deputy Dave (played by Jon Van Ness) appears in Ruckus.
Imperious deputy who leads the mob hunt for Kyle. He stalks Jenny's home, orchestrates Kyle's kidnapping at the carnival, gathers a large crowd to harass Kyle at the grain elevator, and pursues him across the river before the attackers are repelled. Sam Bellows (played by Ben Johnson) appears in Ruckus.
Wealthiest man in town and Jenny's father-in-law. He leaves on a business trip, allowing Kyle to enter their home. He later returns to the river scene and, after learning Kyle is harmless, declares that Kyle may keep the river island. Homer (played by Clifford A. Pellow) appears in Ruckus.
Local town bully who engages in a violent altercation with Kyle, triggering Kyle's initial flight. His farm is used as the location where Kyle is held hostage in a grain elevator during the town's coordinated harassment campaign.
Ruckus (1980) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Kyle Hanson
(played by Dirk Benedict) — protagonist
Emotionally bruised Vietnam veteran and drifter who flees a Southern town after a violent altercation. He evades local bullies and law enforcement, hides with Jenny Bellows, and ultimately defeats the...
Jenny Bellows
(played by Linda Blair) — protagonist
Young mother whose husband was presumed dead in Vietnam. Initially frightened by Kyle, she becomes sympathetic, offers him shelter and clean clothes, and accompanies him to a carnival. She later helps...
Sheriff Jethro Pough
(played by Richard Farnsworth) — supporting
Local sheriff who investigates Kyle's background and discovers his military psychiatric history. He officially confirms Jenny's husband's death to her and eventually arrives at the river confrontation...
Deputy Dave
(played by Jon Van Ness) — supporting
Imperious deputy who leads the mob hunt for Kyle. He stalks Jenny's home, orchestrates Kyle's kidnapping at the carnival, gathers a large crowd to harass Kyle at the grain elevator, and pursues him ac...
Sam Bellows
(played by Ben Johnson) — supporting
Wealthiest man in town and Jenny's father-in-law. He leaves on a business trip, allowing Kyle to enter their home. He later returns to the river scene and, after learning Kyle is harmless, declares th...
Homer
(played by Clifford A. Pellow) — minor
Local town bully who engages in a violent altercation with Kyle, triggering Kyle's initial flight. His farm is used as the location where Kyle is held hostage in a grain elevator during the town's coo...
Canonical Relationships
Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.
Jenny Bellows → Sam Bellows
(Family Father-in-law)
Kyle Hanson → Sheriff Jethro Pough
(Professional Law Enforcement Contact)
