Character Relationship Map: Rules Don't Apply

Characters

• Howard Hughes (played by Warren Beatty) — protagonist

  A wealthy and reclusive film mogul who employs Frank as a driver and controls the careers of studio contract stars like Marla. He becomes increasingly paranoid about minority shareholders committing h...

• Marla Mabrey (played by Lily Collins) — protagonist

  A devout Baptist beauty queen under contract with RKO Pictures who initially works closely with Frank as his passenger. She develops a deep emotional and physical connection with Frank before being se...

• Frank Forbes (played by Alden Ehrenreich) — supporting

  A devout driver for Howard Hughes who initially secretly violated his religious vows with his fiancée. He becomes Marla's primary chauffeur and confidant, sharing a passionate but interrupted romance....

• Levar Mathis (played by Matthew Broderick) — supporting

  A loyal employee of Howard Hughes who enforces studio rules by warning Frank about inappropriate contact with starlets. He remains part of Hughes' inner staff through the years, waiting alongside Fran...

• Noah Dietrich (played by Martin Sheen) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

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

• Levar Mathis → Marla Mabrey (Power Rules Enforcer) — Levar represents the institutional rules governing Marla's studio life.

  Levar warns Frank about restrictions concerning the studio's starlets, including their contact with men.

• Levar Mathis → Frank Forbes (Professional Rules Enforcer) — Levar monitors Frank's conduct around Marla on behalf of Hughes's operation.

  Levar regularly reminds Frank that the contract starlets cannot have close contact with men.

• Howard Hughes → Levar Mathis (Professional Employer And Employee) — Levar remains attached to Hughes's organization despite its instability.

  Levar is described as Hughes's loyal employee and remains part of Hughes's inner staff over the years.

• Howard Hughes → Noah Dietrich (Professional Executive And Right Hand) — Noah serves Hughes closely but risks their working relationship by challenging his behavior.

  Noah is identified as Hughes's right-hand man and advises him to see a psychiatrist.

• Howard Hughes → Marla Mabrey (Romantic Encounter) — Their brief relationship profoundly alters Marla's personal and professional life.

  Hughes proposes to Marla after hearing her song, and they have sex.

• Howard Hughes → Frank Forbes (Professional Employer And Driver) — Hughes employs Frank as a chauffeur and later brings him into his inner circle.

  Frank works as Howard Hughes's driver and regularly transports Marla for Hughes's studio-related activities.

Story Dynamics

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

• Frank Forbes → Marla Mabrey (Social Confidants) — Their trust develops through repeated private conversations and shared vulnerability.

  Frank and Marla become closer, let down their guard, and confide in each other while he drives her to classes.

Story Analysis

A chauffeur, a starlet, and a reclusive mogul struggle with desire, power, public reputation, and the possibility of family.

Plot Progression

1. A Chauffeur and a Starlet — Frank begins driving Marla through Los Angeles while she waits for a screen test. Studio rules and their religious beliefs initially keep their growing trust restrained.
2. Rules Begin to Bend — With Marla's mother away, Frank and Marla become confidants and develop a romantic connection. Marla also meets Hughes and receives a path toward her screen test.
3. The Cost of Desire — Marla's screen test proves hollow, while her bond with Frank becomes physical and emotionally serious. Hughes then proposes to Marla after an alcohol-fueled meeting.
4. Rejection and Retreat — Marla's engagement destroys her connection with Frank, and Hughes rejects her pregnancy claim. Marla returns to Virginia as Hughes withdraws further and faces legal pressure.
5. A Voice Against Silence — Years later, damaging claims threaten Hughes's empire and reputation. Marla's arrival with Matt helps Hughes make a public call, after which Frank chooses life with Marla and Matt.