Character Relationship Map: Arthur

Characters

• Arthur Bach (played by Dudley Moore) — protagonist

  Spoiled alcoholic heir who learns responsibility and love through hardship.

• Linda Marolla (played by Liza Minnelli) — protagonist

  Street-smart waitress who challenges Arthur and becomes his wife.

• Hobson (played by John Gielgud) — supporting

  Loyal valet and father figure to Arthur, dies in first film.

• Susan Johnson (played by Jill Eikenberry) — supporting

  Upper-class fiancée arranged by families, lacks romantic connection.

• Burt Johnson (played by Stephen Elliott) — supporting

  Wealthy, vengeful father of Susan, antagonist in sequel.

• Bitterman (played by Ted Ross) — supporting

  Chauffeur who drives Arthur and Linda after he inherits fortune.

Key Relationships

• Linda Marolla → Burt Johnson (Conflict Social Rival)
• Arthur Bach → Bitterman (Professional Chauffeur & Employer)
• Linda Marolla → Hobson (Alliance Secret Ally)
• Susan Johnson → Burt Johnson (Family Father & Daughter)
• Arthur Bach → Burt Johnson (Conflict Antagonist)
• Arthur Bach → Hobson (Family Father Figure)
• Arthur Bach → Susan Johnson (Romantic Arranged Fiancés)
• Arthur Bach → Linda Marolla (Romantic Lovers)

Story Analysis

A spoiled heir navigates family pressure, unexpected love, and profound loss to forge his own path.

Plot Progression

1. The Spoiled Heir's Dilemma
2. Crashing the Engagement
3. Grief and Sobriety
4. The Altar Rebellion
5. Poverty and Fortune