Character Relationship Map: AWOL

Characters

• Joey (played by Lola Kirke) — protagonist

  A woman preparing for military service who plans to leave for Afghanistan, while dreaming of escaping to Canada with Rayna and Rayna’s children.

• Rayna (played by Breeda Wool) — supporting

  Joey’s married friend and mother who initially doubts their ability to survive in Canada but eventually agrees to go with Joey.

• Rayna's Friend #2 (played by Dawn Santoriello) — supporting
• Rayna's Friend #1 (played by Nicole Dillon) — supporting
• Roy (played by Bill Sage) — supporting

  Rayna’s companion who is working in the fields when Joey visits; he reacts with regret when told that Joey is leaving for Afghanistan.

• Rayna's Friend #3 (played by Amanda K. Somma) — minor

Canonical Relationships

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

• Joey → Rayna (Romantic Partner) — Their romantic attachment motivates Joey's proposed escape.

  Joey and Rayna joke that they are already good at French kissing, and Joey asks Rayna to escape with her to Canada.

Story Dynamics

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

• Joey → Roy (Social Acquaintance) — Joey and Roy are connected through Rayna's household.

  Joey visits Rayna while Roy is working in the fields, and Rayna communicates Joey's departure to Roy.

• Rayna → Roy (Social Household Connection) — They share a household setting and discuss Joey's imminent departure.

  Rayna is shown outside with Roy at her home, where Roy is working in the fields and Rayna tells him that Joey is leaving for Afghanistan.

• Rayna's Friend #3 → Rayna (friend)
• Rayna's Friend #2 → Rayna (friend)
• Rayna's Friend #1 → Rayna (friend)

Story Analysis

Joey struggles between imminent military service and an uncertain escape with Rayna to Canada.

Plot Progression

1. Service Beneath Family Talk — Joey is questioned about work and military service during a family gathering. Her resentment toward being taken to recruiting and her mother's worry establish the pressure surrounding her impending de...
2. A Dream of Canada — Joey tells Rayna about escaping to Canada and imagines a new life in British Columbia or Montreal. Their romantic connection becomes explicit as the fantasy develops.
3. Agreement Against Doubt — Rayna questions whether Joey's $636 can support them. Joey insists on leaving, and Rayna eventually agrees, briefly turning the escape fantasy into a shared plan.
4. The Cost of Leaving — Joey seeks additional money from a relative but receives only $100 and an insulting warning. The encounter exposes the social pressure surrounding her plans and sexuality.
5. Departure Without Certainty — Joey visits Rayna's home, gives a child a present, and learns about a care package. The announcement of her Afghanistan departure and the awkward farewell leave the Canadian escape unresolved.