Character Relationship Map: Running with Scissors

Characters

• Augusten Burroughs (played by Joseph Cross) — protagonist

  Augusten is the teenage central character, sent by his unstable mother to live under Dr. Finch's guardianship. He struggles with the Finch household, comes out to Natalie, begins a troubled relationsh...

• Dr. Finch (played by Brian Cox) — supporting

  Dr. Finch is Deirdre's psychiatrist and becomes Augusten's legal guardian. He leads an eccentric household while manipulating Deirdre and others into surrendering money, including Augusten's child sup...

• Neil Bookman (played by Joseph Fiennes) — supporting

  Neil is Dr. Finch's adopted adult son and a patient who befriends Augusten after Augusten confesses that he is gay. Their connection quickly becomes an erratic sexual relationship, while Neil's schizo...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Dr. Finch → Neil Bookman (Professional Psychiatrist And Patient) — Their relationship combines psychiatric treatment with a family connection.

  Neil is identified as Dr. Finch's patient and adopted son.

• Dr. Finch → Augusten Burroughs (Power Legal Guardian) — Dr. Finch assumes legal authority over Augusten after taking him into his household.

  Augusten is sent to live with Dr. Finch, who becomes his legal guardian.

Story Dynamics

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

• Augusten Burroughs → Neil Bookman (Social Friend) — Neil becomes an important personal connection for Augusten inside the Finch household.

  After Augusten confesses to being gay, he befriends Neil Bookman.

Story Analysis

A teenager survives family instability and an exploitative household before choosing independence and a future as a writer.

Plot Progression

1. A Home Coming Apart — Augusten grows up with an unstable mother and an alcoholic father who cannot provide help. His father eventually moves out, leaving Augusten increasingly exposed to family dysfunction.
2. The Finch Household — Augusten is sent to live with Dr. Finch, who becomes his legal guardian. He struggles to adapt to the eccentric household and the difficult visits with his mother.
3. A Dangerous Connection — After revealing his sexuality, Augusten befriends Neil Bookman. Their friendship quickly becomes an erratic sexual relationship that adds further instability to Augusten's life.
4. Money And Abandonment — Dr. Finch manipulates the transfer of Augusten's child support money. Augusten then feels increasingly unwanted as his mother forms a relationship with another companion.
5. The Departure — Augusten decides to leave for New York and pursue writing. A final act of financial care helps him leave, while the mid-credits material records the later consequences.