Character Relationship Map: Hud

Characters

• Hud Bannon (played by Paul Newman) — protagonist

  Ambitious, self-centered son of Homer. Disregards laws, shoots buzzards, and tries to exploit the ranch for oil leases. Drunkenly attempts to rape Alma but is stopped by Lonnie. Defends his father's h...

• Homer Bannon (played by Melvyn Douglas) — protagonist

  Deeply principled Texas rancher and Hud's father. Values hard work and cleanliness, complying with the state vet's quarantine despite financial ruin. Refuses to sell land for oil. Dies after falling f...

• Alma Brown (played by Patricia Neal) — supporting

  Earthy housekeeper at the Bannon ranch. Attracted to both Hud and Lonnie but distances herself from Hud due to past trauma. Survives Hud's drunken rape attempt thanks to Lonnie. Ultimately decides to...

• Lon 'Lonnie' Bannon (played by Brandon De Wilde) — supporting

  Teenaged orphan son of Hud's deceased brother Norman. Initially admires Hud but becomes disillusioned after witnessing his cruelty. Saves Alma from Hud's assault and finds Homer's body. Leaves the ran...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Homer Bannon → Alma Brown (Professional Employer And Housekeeper)

  Alma is described as the Bannons' housekeeper at the ranch.

• Lon 'Lonnie' Bannon → Alma Brown (Romantic Attraction)

  The plot says both young men are attracted to Alma. It also says Lonnie takes her to the bus stop when she decides to leave.

• Hud Bannon → Alma Brown (Romantic Unwanted Suitor)

  Hud pursues Alma, and she keeps her distance because of her past mistreatment by self-centered men. He later attempts to rape her while drunk, and she...

• Hud Bannon → Lon 'Lonnie' Bannon (Family Uncle And Nephew)

  Lonnie is the son of Hud’s deceased brother Norman. Hud takes Lonnie drinking, but Lonnie later intervenes when Hud attacks Alma and eventually leaves...

• Lon 'Lonnie' Bannon → Homer Bannon (Family Grandson And Grandfather)

  Lonnie is identified as the orphaned son of Homer’s elder son, Norman. Homer advises Lonnie to decide for himself what is right and wrong.

• Hud Bannon → Homer Bannon (Family Son And Father)

  The plot identifies Hud as Homer’s son. They clash over the sick cattle, Hud’s conduct, and what should be done with the ranch.

Story Analysis

A principled rancher's struggle with his self-centered son unfolds alongside a young man's loss of admiration and departure.

Plot Progression

1. The Sick Cattle
2. Family Resentments
3. The Ranch Breaks
4. Loss and Departure