Character Relationship Map: They Live

Characters

• John Nada (played by Roddy Piper) — protagonist

  Homeless drifter who discovers alien conspiracy and fights for human freedom.

• Frank Armitage (played by Keith David) — protagonist

  Nada's coworker and friend who initially denies the alien threat.

• Drifter (played by George Buck Flower) — supporting

  Mysterious resistance leader guiding Nada and Frank against the aliens.

• Family Man's Daughter (played by Wendy Brainard) — supporting

  Child of a human family caught in the alien takeover.

• Gilbert (played by Peter Jason) — supporting

  Shantytown leader who initially aids Nada but is revealed to be compromised.

• Family Man (played by Jason Robards III) — supporting

  Civilian trying to protect his family from aliens.

• Street Preacher (played by Raymond St. Jacques) — supporting

  Religious figure warning about the alien takeover.

Key Relationships

• Family Man's Daughter → Family Man (daughter)
• Frank Armitage → Gilbert (Alliance Resistance Contact)
• John Nada → Street Preacher (Conflict Avoided Witness)
• John Nada → Gilbert (Social Community Member)
• John Nada → Drifter (Alliance Tour Recipient)
• John Nada → Frank Armitage (Professional Coworker)

Story Analysis

A homeless man uncovers an alien conspiracy controlling humanity through consumerism and subliminal signals.

Plot Progression

1. Shadows of the City
2. Lenses of Truth
3. Fractured Alliances
4. The Collaborator's Trap
5. Signal Down