Character Relationship Map: Bedlam

Characters

• George Sims (played by Boris Karloff) — protagonist

  Corrupt asylum master who stages shows for Lord Mortimer, conspires to falsely commit Nell Bowen, and attempts a drastic cure on her before being stabbed and accidentally walled up alive by inmates.

• Nell Bowen (played by Anna Lee) — protagonist

  Lord Mortimer's protégée who seeks asylum reform with John Wilkes, is falsely committed by Mortimer and Sims, gains inmate trust through compassionate care, and is eventually rescued by Hannay.

• Lord Mortimer (played by Billy House) — supporting

  Patron of Nell Bowen whose acquaintance dies escaping the asylum; he later conspires with George Sims to falsely commit Nell to the institution.

• The Stonemason (played by Richard Fraser) — supporting

  Quaker mason who befriends Nell, provides her with a trowel, and later rescues her from the asylum.

• Sidney Long (played by Ian Wolfe) — supporting

  Former lawyer turned asylum inmate who insists George Sims receive a fair trial, where Sims' unstable defense reveals his own madness.

• 'That Devil' Wilkes (played by Leyland Hodgson) — supporting

  Whig politician who supports Nell Bowen's asylum reform efforts and applies legal pressure that threatens Sims' corrupt operations.

• Dorothea the Dove (played by Joan Newton) — supporting

Key Relationships

• George Sims → Sidney Long (Professional Authority Figure)
• Nell Bowen → Dorothea the Dove (Social Friend)
• Nell Bowen → Sidney Long (Narrative Helper)
• Nell Bowen → George Sims (Conflict Antagonist)
• Nell Bowen → 'That Devil' Wilkes (Alliance Political Ally)
• Lord Mortimer → George Sims (Alliance Conspirator)
• Nell Bowen → The Stonemason (Romantic Interest)
• Lord Mortimer → Nell Bowen (Professional Mentor)

Story Analysis

A tale of corruption and reform in a 1761 London asylum for the mentally ill

Plot Progression

1. The Asylum's Dark Secrets
2. Conspiracy and Commitment
3. Desperate Measures
4. Buried Alive