Annie Pope (played by Christine Lahti) is a protagonist in Running on Empty.
Co-leader of the fugitive family on the run since 1971. She relies on an underground network and eventually comes to terms with letting her son pursue his musical dreams, risking their safety to arrange a home for him through her estranged father. Danny Pope (played by River Phoenix) is a protagonist in Running on Empty.
The family's eldest son, a highly talented pianist in his late teens. He attracts his music teacher's attention, aims for a Juilliard audition, and falls in love with Lorna. He ultimately reveals his family's fugitive past to her and becomes the catalyst for his parents' decision to separate from him for his own future. Arthur Pope (played by Judd Hirsch) appears in Running on Empty.
Co-leader of the fugitive family, sharing responsibility for the 1971 bombing. Initially opposes leaving Danny behind to continue their dangerous life on the run. After hearing news of a killed underground associate, he accepts that his son should pursue his dreams free from their criminal past. Harry Pope (played by Jonas Abry) appears in Running on Empty.
The family's younger son who travels with his parents during their frequent relocations and assumes new identities alongside them. Contact at Eldridge St. (played by Lynne Thigpen) appears in Running on Empty.
Lorna Phillips (played by Martha Plimpton) appears in Running on Empty.
The teenage daughter of Danny's music teacher. She develops a romantic relationship with Danny and learns about his family's fugitive background. Mrs. Phillips (played by Sloane Shelton) appears in Running on Empty.
Mrs. Taylor (played by Ronnie Gilbert) appears in Running on Empty.
Running on Empty (1988) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Annie Pope
(played by Christine Lahti) — protagonist
Co-leader of the fugitive family on the run since 1971. She relies on an underground network and eventually comes to terms with letting her son pursue his musical dreams, risking their safety to arran...
Danny Pope
(played by River Phoenix) — protagonist
The family's eldest son, a highly talented pianist in his late teens. He attracts his music teacher's attention, aims for a Juilliard audition, and falls in love with Lorna. He ultimately reveals his...
Arthur Pope
(played by Judd Hirsch) — supporting
Co-leader of the fugitive family, sharing responsibility for the 1971 bombing. Initially opposes leaving Danny behind to continue their dangerous life on the run. After hearing news of a killed underg...
Harry Pope
(played by Jonas Abry) — supporting
The family's younger son who travels with his parents during their frequent relocations and assumes new identities alongside them.
Contact at Eldridge St.
(played by Lynne Thigpen) — supporting
Lorna Phillips
(played by Martha Plimpton) — supporting
The teenage daughter of Danny's music teacher. She develops a romantic relationship with Danny and learns about his family's fugitive background.
Mrs. Phillips
(played by Sloane Shelton) — minor
Mrs. Taylor
(played by Ronnie Gilbert) — minor
Maid
(played by Leila Danette) — minor
Hospital Clerk
(played by Herb Lovelle) — minor
Music Girl
(played by Jenny Lumet) — minor
Spaulding
(played by Michael Boatman) — minor
School Clerk
(played by Marcia Jean Kurtz) — minor
Man at Meeting
(played by William Foeller) — minor
Mr. Phillips
(played by Ed Crowley) — supporting
Danny's high school music teacher who recognizes his exceptional piano talent. He investigates the boy's past, pushes him toward a Juilliard audition, and serves as the father figure whose daughter be...
Librarian
(played by Justine Johnston) — minor
Home Ec Teacher
(played by Bobo Lewis) — minor
Gus Winant
(played by L.M. Kit Carson) — supporting
Donald Patterson
(played by Steven Hill) — supporting
Abigail Patterson
(played by Augusta Dabney) — supporting
Story Analysis
A family torn between their past crimes and their children's future
Plot Progression
The Life on the Run
Musical Awakening
Secrets and Revelations
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Directed by Sidney Lumet
Running on Empty (1988) · 7.4/10 · crime, drama, romance
