Character Relationship Map: Everything Must Go

Characters

• Nick Halsey (played by Will Ferrell) — protagonist

  Main protagonist, a salesman who loses his job and wife due to alcoholism. He holds a yard sale, confronts his past, experiences withdrawal, and ultimately chooses sobriety and reconciliation with his...

• Samantha (played by Rebecca Hall) — supporting

  Nick's pregnant neighbor whose husband is absent. She bonds with Nick, offers help during his withdrawal, and eventually reconciles with her husband while offering Nick encouragement.

• Frank Garcia (played by Michael Peña) — supporting

  A detective and Nick's AA sponsor. He provides Nick with a legal permit for the yard sale and later reveals that Nick's wife has been staying with him, giving Nick divorce papers.

• Samantha's Husband (played by Chris Cook) — minor
• Delilah (played by Laura Dern) — supporting

  An old classmate Nick tracks down after finding her in a yearbook. Despite an awkward reunion, she encourages him by telling him he still has a good heart.

• Gary (played by Glenn Howerton) — supporting

  Nick's former supervisor whose tires Nick slashed. He later reveals that the incident causing Nick's firing was likely fabricated, and Nick chooses sobriety by returning Gary's abandoned beer.

Canonical Relationships

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

• Samantha's Husband → Samantha (husband)
• Nick Halsey → Gary (Professional Former Employee)

  Gary is Nick's former supervisor, and Nick loses his job after an incident connected to Gary and the Denver complaint.

• Nick Halsey → Frank Garcia (Professional AA Sponsor)

  Frank is identified as Nick's AA sponsor and detective. Nick asks the police to contact Frank when he is nearly arrested.

Story Dynamics

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

• Nick Halsey → Delilah (Social Old Classmates)

  Nick finds Delilah through an old yearbook and tracks her down for an awkward reunion.

• Nick Halsey → Samantha (Social Neighbor)

  Samantha is introduced as Nick's new pregnant neighbor. They bond while both deal with troubled marriages and isolation.

Story Analysis

After losing his job, home, and marriage, Nick rebuilds his life by confronting alcoholism, accepting responsibility, and choosing sobriety.

Plot Progression

1. The Lawn Becomes Home
2. Selling the Former Life
3. Withdrawal and Self-Recognition
4. Truth Behind Denver
5. Choosing What Remains