Character Relationship Map: Wise Guys

Characters

• Ronald (played by Jean-Claude Brialy) — protagonist

  Ronald is at the center of the story’s romantic and comic schemes. After a stranger takes his usual spot, he feels humiliated and vows revenge, though he has no clear plan. He becomes captivated by Am...

• Ambroisine (played by Bernadette Lafont) — supporting

  Ambroisine is a bold and beautiful woman who captivates Ronald and is loved by Arthur, though she initially does not return Arthur’s feelings. After Arthur follows Ronald’s advice to act indifferent,...

• l' Oncle Arthur (played by Jean Galland) — supporting

  l' Oncle Arthur is Arthur’s wealthy uncle. He is surprised by Arthur’s marriage plans, a reaction Arthur reports to Ronald during a visit. The summary offers no further details about the uncle’s invol...

• Arthur (played by Charles Belmont) — minor

  Arthur is in love with Ambroisine, who initially does not return his feelings. He follows Ronald’s advice to conceal his love and act indifferent, and his relationship with Ambroisine eventually chang...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Arthur → l' Oncle Arthur (Family Nephew And Uncle) — Arthur's decision to marry Ambroisine surprises his wealthy uncle.

  Arthur reports that his marriage plans have surprised his wealthy uncle.

• Arthur → Ambroisine (Romantic Unrequited Love Turned Marriage) — Arthur follows Ronald's advice to hide his love and act indifferent; his relationship with Ambroisine eventually changes, and they decide to marry.

  Arthur is in love with Ambroisine, but she initially does not return his feelings. Later, they discuss their future and decide to marry.

Story Dynamics

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

• Ronald → Arthur (Social Romantic Adviser) — Ronald's advice influences Arthur's courtship of Ambroisine, and Arthur later visits Ronald to report on the marriage plans.

  Ronald advises Arthur to conceal his love for Ambroisine and act indifferent in the hope that she will respond.

Story Analysis

A comic web of romantic schemes and social disorder leads to an unexpected marriage decision and intertwined romantic fortunes.

Plot Progression

1. Humiliation and New Encounters — Ronald finds a stranger's car in his usual place, feels humiliated after a tense confrontation, and vows revenge without a clear plan. He then meets Ambroisine and is captivated by her.
2. Schemes and Country House Chaos — Ronald's romantic and social entanglements unfold, including his involvement with a young woman engaged to Henri. He helps arrange entertainment for his aunt's charity, and the gathering turns into an...
3. Arthur Changes His Approach — Arthur's love for Ambroisine is initially unreturned. Ronald advises him to hide his feelings and act indifferent, and Arthur follows the advice as their relationship changes.
4. Marriage Plans Move Forward — Arthur and Ambroisine discuss their future and decide to marry despite uncertainty about money and family approval. Ambroisine leaves to inform her family, while Arthur tells Ronald that the decision...