Character Relationship Map: Born Innocent

Characters

• Chris Parker (played by Linda Blair) — protagonist

  14-year-old protagonist and runaway who endures severe domestic abuse. After being sent to a juvenile detention center, she suffers trauma and staff indifference, ultimately transforming into a harden...

• Barbara Clark (played by Joanna Miles) — protagonist

  The only dedicated and empathetic counselor at the reform school. She actively tries to help Chris confront her trauma but is ultimately powerless against the systemic apathy and Chris's hardened defe...

• Emma Lasko (played by Allyn Ann McLerie) — supporting

  Chris's assigned social worker. She is depicted as out of touch, failing to identify domestic abuse as the catalyst for Chris's behavior, and instead placing blame squarely on the girl.

• Miss Murphy (played by Mary Murphy) — supporting
• Mr. Parker (played by Richard Jaeckel) — supporting

  Chris's father, portrayed as a violent abuser whose regular beatings force his daughter to repeatedly run away from home.

• Mrs. Parker (played by Kim Hunter) — supporting

  Chris's mother, characterized by emotional detachment and passivity. She spends her days watching television and smoking while remaining willfully blind to her husband's abuse.

• Moco (played by Nora Heflin) — supporting
• Josie (played by Tina Andrews) — minor

Key Relationships

• Josie → Chris Parker (Social Tragic Friend)
• Moco → Chris Parker (Conflict Shower Assailant)
• Miss Murphy → Chris Parker (Professional Apathetic Staff)
• Barbara Clark → Chris Parker (Professional Dedicated Counselor)
• Emma Lasko → Chris Parker (Professional Social Worker)
• Mrs. Parker → Chris Parker (Family Neglectful Mother)
• Mr. Parker → Chris Parker (Family Abusive Father)

Story Analysis

The systemic and familial destruction of a traumatized adolescent.

Plot Progression

1. The Broken Foundation
2. Gates of the Reform School
3. Descent into Darkness
4. The Riot and Aftermath
5. The Final Transformation