Character Relationship Map: Happythankyoumoreplease

Characters

• Sam (played by Josh Radnor) — protagonist

  A struggling writer and the central protagonist navigating the complexities of friendship, romance, and the transition to adulthood in New York City.

• Annie (played by Malin Åkerman) — protagonist

  Sam's friend who struggles with deep self-image issues that prevent her from committing to relationships.

• Mississippi (played by Kate Mara) — supporting

  A cabaret singer who becomes a significant romantic interest for Sam, representing a new path to connection.

• Mary Catherine (played by Zoe Kazan) — supporting

  Charlie's partner whose relationship is strained and tested by the prospect of a potential move to Los Angeles.

• Charlie (played by Pablo Schreiber) — supporting

  Mary Catherine's partner, facing relationship strain and uncertainty as they consider relocating to Los Angeles.

• Rasheen (played by Michael Algieri) — supporting

  A young boy separated from his family on the subway, whose unexpected arrival disrupts Sam's routine and forces emotional engagement.

Canonical Relationships

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

• Mary Catherine → Charlie (Romantic Partner) — Their romantic partnership is tested by a possible move to California.

  Charlie is Mary Catherine's boyfriend, and his Los Angeles job offer affects their relationship and plans.

• Sam → Mary Catherine (Family Cousin) — Their family connection places Mary Catherine within Sam's intimate social world.

  The plot explicitly identifies Mary Catherine as Sam's cousin.

• Sam → Mississippi (Romantic Interest) — Mississippi becomes Sam's central romantic possibility.

  Sam works on bringing Mississippi into his life, and by the end their relationship appears to be on solid ground.

Story Dynamics

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

• Sam → Annie (Social Best Friend) — Annie is Sam's closest established friend and part of his emotional support network.

  The plot identifies Annie as Sam's best friend while describing her struggle with alopecia and self-image.

• Sam → Rasheen (Alliance Temporary Caregiver) — Sam provides temporary care after Rasheen becomes separated from his existing placement.

  Sam meets Rasheen on the subway and decides to take the foster-care child in for a few days.

Story Analysis

The film follows several New Yorkers confronting responsibility, intimacy, self-worth, and the difficulty of making adult commitments.

Plot Progression

1. A Stranger on the Subway — Sam faces professional frustration as he approaches thirty and meets Rasheen on the subway. He takes the foster-care child in, disrupting his uncertain routine.
2. Friends at a Crossroads — Annie struggles with alopecia and the need to feel lovable. Mary Catherine and Charlie confront the possibility of moving to Los Angeles, while Sam meets Mississippi at a cabaret.
3. The Adoption Gamble — Sam's attempt to return Rasheen to social services fails because the boy refuses foster care. Sam responds by attempting adoption, but the application process ends in his brief arrest.
4. Choices Become Permanent — Mary Catherine learns she is pregnant, making the decision about California more complicated. Rasheen is placed with a new foster family after Sam cannot make the adoption work.
5. Care Beyond Possession — Sam continues keeping track of Rasheen and gives him drawing materials after discovering his artistic ability. Despite setbacks, Sam and Mississippi reach a more stable relationship.