Howard Hughes (played by Warren Beatty) is a protagonist in Rules Don't Apply.
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 him, marries Jean Peters for legal protection, and has a brief, intense romantic encounter with Marla. Later, he faces massive financial debt and attempts to publicly refute claims of dementia. Marla Mabrey (played by Lily Collins) is a protagonist in Rules Don't Apply.
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 seduced by Howard Hughes. After Hughes dismisses her pregnancy claim, she returns to Virginia but eventually comes back to help defend Hughes' reputation, ultimately choosing to build a family life with Frank. Frank Forbes (played by Alden Ehrenreich) appears in Rules Don't Apply.
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. After Marla's relationship with Hughes destroys their connection, Frank is fired but eventually quits his job to reunite with Marla and her son, forming a lasting family unit. Levar Mathis (played by Matthew Broderick) appears in Rules Don't Apply.
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 Frank and Nadine in 1964 to see if Hughes will make a public call regarding damaging claims about his mental state. Noah Dietrich (played by Martin Sheen) appears in Rules Don't Apply.
Rules Don't Apply (2016) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
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
Key Relationships
Levar Mathis → Frank Forbes
(Professional Colleague)
Noah Dietrich → Howard Hughes
(Professional Right-Hand Man)
Levar Mathis → Howard Hughes
(Professional Executive Assistant)
Frank Forbes → Howard Hughes
(Professional Driver)
Frank Forbes → Marla Mabrey
(Romantic Lovers)
Howard Hughes → Marla Mabrey
(Professional Employer)
Story Analysis
A story of forbidden romance, studio control, and personal redemption set against Hollywood's golden age.
