Character Relationship Map: The Boy

Characters

• Greta Evans (played by Lauren Cohan) — protagonist

  An American nanny hired by the Heelshires who must navigate supernatural horror and survive a deadly encounter with the real Brahms.

• Malcolm (played by Rupert Evans) — protagonist

  The Heelshires' grocery boy and servant who serves as a key source of backstory and assists Greta in the final confrontation.

• Mr. Heelshire (played by Jim Norton) — supporting

  The elderly, grieving father of the real Brahms who hires Greta and eventually takes his own life.

• Cole (played by Ben Robson) — supporting

  Greta's abusive ex-boyfriend who tracks her down in the UK and meets a fatal end at the hands of Brahms.

Canonical Relationships

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

• Greta Evans → Cole (Romantic Abusive Ex-Partner) — Cole is Greta's abusive former romantic partner.

  Greta's sister tells her that her abusive ex-boyfriend Cole is trying to discover where she is.

• Greta Evans → Malcolm (Romantic Interest) — Greta and Malcolm develop a romantic connection during her stay.

  Malcolm asks Greta out, she accepts, and they discuss the household's history together.

• Mr. Heelshire → Malcolm (Professional Employer) — Malcolm works for the Heelshire household.

  Malcolm is described as the Heelshires' grocery boy and servant, and he regularly visits the house.

• Mr. Heelshire → Greta Evans (Professional Employer) — Mr. Heelshire employs Greta as the household nanny.

  Mr. Heelshire and his wife hire Greta Evans as a nanny and instruct her to care for the doll and their house while they are away.

Story Dynamics

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

• Malcolm → Cole (Conflict Intervener) — Malcolm intervenes when Cole's confrontation with Greta escalates.

  Malcolm returns to the house to investigate the commotion after Cole becomes angry and smashes the doll.

Story Analysis

A nanny's attempt to follow impossible rules exposes a living adult hidden behind the identity of a doll.

Plot Progression

1. A Strange Nanny Assignment — Greta arrives in the United Kingdom and accepts a nanny position at the Heelshire house. She is introduced to a doll treated as a real child and receives strict care instructions.
2. Rules Begin To Matter — Greta learns about Cole's pursuit and the tragic history surrounding the house. Unexplained disturbances and the moving doll gradually force her to take the rules seriously.
3. The House Reveals Its History — Malcolm shares more disturbing information about the dead child and a murdered girl. The Heelshires leave a goodbye letter and take their own lives, deepening Greta's sense of obligation.
4. The Man Behind The Mask — Cole arrives and threatens Greta's escape from the house. After he destroys the doll, the living adult hidden in the walls emerges and kills him.
5. A Final Bedtime Rule — Greta and Malcolm flee through the wall cavity, but Malcolm is incapacitated. Greta returns, uses the child's rules as a deception, defeats the hidden man, and escapes with Malcolm.