Character Relationship Map: The Miracle Worker

Characters

• Annie Sullivan (played by Anne Bancroft) — protagonist

  A former student sent to the Keller home as a tutor. Through persistence, tough love, and stubbornness, she works to break through Helen's silence and darkness by teaching her to connect hand signs wi...

• Helen Keller (played by Patty Duke) — protagonist

  A young girl who has been deaf, blind, and mute since infancy after a severe illness. Frustrated by her inability to communicate, she experiences frequent uncontrollable outbursts before beginning to...

• Captain Arthur Keller (played by Victor Jory) — supporting

  One of Helen's terrified and helpless parents, who contacts the Perkins School for the Blind for assistance because the family cannot deal with Helen's behavior.

• Kate Keller (played by Inga Swenson) — supporting

  One of Helen's terrified and helpless parents, who contacts the Perkins School for the Blind for assistance because the family cannot deal with Helen's behavior.

• James Keller (played by Andrew Prine) — supporting
• Mr. Anagnos of Perkins School in Boston (played by Jack Hollander) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

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

• Mr. Anagnos of Perkins School in Boston → Annie Sullivan (Professional Institutional Representative)

  The Perkins School for the Blind responds to the Kellers' request by sending Annie Sullivan to their home.

• James Keller → Helen Keller (Family Brother)

  James Keller is listed among the film's supporting characters in the Keller family context.

• Captain Arthur Keller → Kate Keller (Family Spouse)

  The plot refers to Captain Arthur Keller and Kate Keller together as Helen's parents.

• Kate Keller → Helen Keller (Family Mother)

  Kate Keller is identified as part of Helen's parents, who contact Perkins for help with Helen.

• Captain Arthur Keller → Helen Keller (Family Father)

  Captain Arthur Keller is identified as part of Helen's parents, who are unable to deal with her condition.

• Annie Sullivan → Helen Keller (Professional Tutor)

  The Perkins School for the Blind sends Annie Sullivan to the Keller home as Helen's tutor.

Story Dynamics

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

• Mr. Anagnos of Perkins School in Boston → Helen Keller (Alliance Educational Sponsor)

  The Perkins School for the Blind responds to the Keller family's request for assistance with Helen.

Story Analysis

Annie Sullivan persistently teaches Helen Keller to connect hand signs with objects despite profound communication barriers and resistance.

Plot Progression

1. A World Without Words
2. The Call For Help
3. A Battle Of Wills
4. Signs Become Meaning