Ted Kramer (played by Dustin Hoffman) is a protagonist in Kramer vs. Kramer.
A workaholic advertising executive whose life is upended when his wife leaves him with their seven-year-old son. Ted struggles to balance work and parenting, forms a deep bond with Billy, and fiercely fights for custody in court after his wife returns. He ultimately sacrifices career advancement for his son, winning custody when his ex-wife voluntarily returns him. Margaret Phelps (played by Jane Alexander) appears in Kramer vs. Kramer.
A divorced neighbor and former confidante of Joanna who becomes a close friend and supporter of Ted. She witnesses his dedication as a father and later testifies in court on his behalf, urging Joanna to acknowledge Ted's transformation and the stability he provides Billy. John Shaunessy (played by Howard Duff) appears in Kramer vs. Kramer.
Ted's divorce attorney who advises him on the likely custody outcome. He employs aggressive courtroom tactics, successfully pressuring Joanna into admitting her responsibility for the marriage's failure, though his methods also lead to Ted's own admissions and temporary discrediting. Jim O'Connor (played by George Coe) appears in Kramer vs. Kramer.
Ted's boss and friend at the advertising agency. Initially understanding of Ted's parental struggles, he later informs Ted that the client is dissatisfied with his work, resulting in Ted's termination and forcing him to urgently seek new employment for the custody case.
Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Ted Kramer
(played by Dustin Hoffman) — protagonist
A workaholic advertising executive whose life is upended when his wife leaves him with their seven-year-old son. Ted struggles to balance work and parenting, forms a deep bond with Billy, and fiercely...
Margaret Phelps
(played by Jane Alexander) — supporting
A divorced neighbor and former confidante of Joanna who becomes a close friend and supporter of Ted. She witnesses his dedication as a father and later testifies in court on his behalf, urging Joanna...
John Shaunessy
(played by Howard Duff) — supporting
Ted's divorce attorney who advises him on the likely custody outcome. He employs aggressive courtroom tactics, successfully pressuring Joanna into admitting her responsibility for the marriage's failu...
Jim O'Connor
(played by George Coe) — supporting
Ted's boss and friend at the advertising agency. Initially understanding of Ted's parental struggles, he later informs Ted that the client is dissatisfied with his work, resulting in Ted's termination...
Key Relationships
Ted Kramer → Ted Kramer
(Narrative Protagonist)
Jim O'Connor → John Shaunessy
(Professional Industry Contact)
Margaret Phelps → John Shaunessy
(Social Acquaintance)
Ted Kramer → John Shaunessy
(Professional Client)
Ted Kramer → Margaret Phelps
(Social Neighbor)
Ted Kramer → Jim O'Connor
(Professional Boss)
Story Analysis
A workaholic father navigates sudden single parenthood, career instability, and a fierce custody battle.
