Character Relationship Map: Begin Again

Characters

• Dan Mulligan (played by Mark Ruffalo) — protagonist

  A formerly successful record label executive in New York, Dan loses his job and struggles with the changing music industry, his estranged wife, and his teenage daughter. After discovering Gretta's tal...

• Gretta James (played by Keira Knightley) — protagonist

  A fiercely independent English songwriter, Gretta leaves Dave after his affair and initially considers returning home. Dan persuades her to create a live-recorded album around New York, and their coll...

• Dave Kohl (played by Adam Levine) — supporting

  Gretta's longtime boyfriend and songwriting partner, Dave becomes a successful musician after signing with the music industry. His affair ends their relationship, while his commercial version of Grett...

• Steve (played by James Corden) — supporting

  Gretta's old best friend and a busker, Steve supports her after the breakup and invites her to perform at an open-mic night. He later joins Dan's recording team and helps Gretta express her grievances...

• Saul (played by Yasiin Bey) — supporting

  Dan's business partner and co-founder of the record label, Saul initially rejects Gretta because he does not recognize her potential. After hearing the completed collaboration, he becomes impressed, a...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Dan Mulligan → Steve (Professional Producer And Musician) — Dan brings Steve into the ensemble producing Gretta's record.

  Dan recruits Steve, identified as a busker, for the live album team.

• Gretta James → Dave Kohl (Former Romantic Partner) — Their romantic relationship ends after Dave's infidelity.

  Gretta breaks up with Dave after learning that he had an affair with a production assistant.

• Gretta James → Saul (Professional Negotiating Artist) — Gretta negotiates directly with the label over her music and compensation.

  Gretta meets Saul about the finished album and demands a larger share in the deal.

• Dan Mulligan → Gretta James (Professional Producer) — Dan becomes Gretta's producer and creative partner.

  Dan proposes producing Gretta's album independently after Saul rejects her.

• Dan Mulligan → Saul (Professional Business Partner) — They share a history of building and operating the record label.

  Dan and Saul are described as business partners and co-founders of the record label.

Story Dynamics

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

• Dan Mulligan → Dave Kohl (Narrative Professional Contrast) — Their associated musical paths represent contrasting approaches to the music industry.

  Dan pursues a live, independent album with Gretta while Dave promotes a heavily commercialized version of their song.

• Gretta James → Steve (Social Best Friend) — Steve provides longstanding friendship and emotional support.

  Gretta meets with her old best friend Steve after breaking up with Dave.

Story Analysis

Two damaged music professionals rebuild their creative lives by choosing artistic partnership and independence over industry expectations.

Plot Progression

1. Broken Careers And Songs — Dan loses his record label position and spirals into drinking. Gretta ends her relationship with Dave after his affair and encounters Dan while performing.
2. A Risky New Record — Dan recognizes Gretta's talent, but Saul rejects her. Dan and Gretta respond by planning an independently produced live album.
3. Music Against The Industry — Dan, Gretta, Steve, and the musicians record around New York. Gretta struggles with Dave's commercial success and turns her anger into a song.
4. The Meaning Of Lost Stars — Gretta and Dave meet and debate the meaning of their song. Saul is impressed by the finished album, but Gretta refuses a conventional agreement.
5. A Different Kind Of Success — Dave invites Gretta to perform, but she leaves after recognizing that the song has changed too much. She chooses online distribution, which succeeds immediately.