Character Relationship Map: Problem Child

Characters

• Ben (played by John Ritter) — protagonist

  Same as Ben Healy, primary father figure in the first film.

• Big Ben (played by Jack Warden) — supporting

  Ben's eccentric, financially reckless father who moves in with the family.

• Junior (played by Michael J. Oliver) — supporting

  Same as Junior Healy, central troublemaker in the first film.

• Flo (played by Amy Yasbeck) — supporting

  Ben's social-climbing ex-wife who initially adopts Junior.

• Martin Beck (played by Michael Richards) — supporting

  Ben's friend and colleague who offers advice and support.

• Roy (played by Peter Jurasik) — supporting

  Friend or acquaintance of the Healy family.

Key Relationships

• Big Ben → Flo (Family Father-in-Law)
• Flo → Junior (Family Mother)
• Big Ben → Junior (Conflict Hostile Guardian)
• Ben → Roy (Social Neighbor)
• Junior → Roy (Conflict Adversarial Neighbor)
• Ben → Martin Beck (Narrative Rescuer)
• Junior → Martin Beck (Social Pen Pal)
• Ben → Flo (Family Ex-Spouse)
• Ben → Junior (Family Adoptive Father)
• Ben → Big Ben (Family Father)

Story Analysis

A kind man adopts a troubled boy, faces his tyrannical father, and rescues the child from a serial killer.

Plot Progression

1. The Unwanted Inheritance
2. A Father's Resolve
3. The Rescue Unfolds
4. Circus Climax & Redemption