Character Relationship Map: Flubber

Characters

• Professor Philip Brainard (played by Robin Williams) — protagonist

  Absentminded professor at Medfield College who creates Flubber to save the school. His experiments drive the plot as he balances research, romance, and battling rivals, ultimately using his invention...

• Wilson Croft (played by Christopher McDonald) — supporting

  Brainard's former partner at rival Rutland College who stole his research. He attempts to seduce Sara, bets against Medfield, and colludes with Hoenicker before being defeated by Flubber.

• Chester Hoenicker (played by Raymond J. Barry) — supporting

  Wealthy sponsor threatening to close Medfield. He covets Flubber's commercial potential, sends thugs to steal it, and allies with Wilson Croft, but his schemes are ultimately thwarted.

• Smith (played by Clancy Brown) — supporting

  One of Hoenicker's henchmen sent to pressure Brainard. He participates in raiding the professor's house to steal Flubber but is defeated alongside his partner.

• Wesson (played by Ted Levine) — supporting

  Hoenicker's other henchman who works alongside Smith. They attempt to coerce Brainard and steal Flubber but are defeated by the protagonists.

Canonical Relationships

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

• Professor Philip Brainard → Wilson Croft (Professional Former Partner) — Their former scientific partnership has become a professional grievance.

  Wilson Croft is identified as Brainard's former partner at Rutland College and has profited from stealing Brainard's ideas.

• Chester Hoenicker → Wesson (Professional Employer) — Wesson works as Hoenicker's operative.

  Hoenicker sends Wesson with Smith to pressure Brainard and later to steal Flubber from the professor's house.

• Chester Hoenicker → Smith (Professional Employer) — Smith carries out Hoenicker's coercive and criminal orders.

  Hoenicker sends Smith to pressure Brainard and later sends him to raid Brainard's house for Flubber.

Story Dynamics

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

• Wilson Croft → Chester Hoenicker (Alliance Conspirators) — They cooperate to exploit Brainard's invention and undermine Medfield.

  Brainard and his partner discover that Hoenicker is in league with Wilson during their attempted Flubber sale.

• Smith → Wesson (Alliance Partner) — They operate as a coordinated pair for Hoenicker.

  Smith and Wesson are repeatedly sent together to pressure Brainard and raid his home.

• Professor Philip Brainard → Chester Hoenicker (Conflict Adversary) — Hoenicker's financial pressure threatens Brainard's college and invention.

  Hoenicker threatens to close Medfield, pressures Brainard over a student's grade, and later tries to obtain Flubber.

Story Analysis

An absentminded professor must balance scientific ambition, romantic responsibility, and the dangerous commercial power of his invention.

Plot Progression

1. The Breakthrough Disaster — Brainard's research obsession disrupts his wedding plans. With Weebo's help, he creates and names the elastic, sentient substance Flubber.
2. Love Lost Again — Brainard misses another wedding and fails to repair the emotional damage. He turns toward proving Flubber's value while Wilson and Hoenicker create additional pressure.
3. The Bouncing Comeback — Brainard tests Flubber's athletic and mechanical abilities. The invention helps Medfield win its basketball game, but the victory does not immediately restore his relationship.
4. Confession And Betrayal — Brainard admits that his absentmindedness comes from love, and Weebo helps reunite the couple. Hoenicker then pursues Flubber's commercial value and sends his henchmen to steal it.
5. The Final Bounce — After Weebo is destroyed, Brainard discovers her farewell recording and backup. He exposes the conspiracy, defeats the villains with Flubber, saves Medfield, and completes the wedding.