Character Relationship Map: Superman

Characters

• Clark Kent / Superman (played by Christopher Reeve) — protagonist

  Kryptonian hero raised on Earth, protects humanity as Superman and works as a reporter.

• Lois Lane (played by Margot Kidder) — protagonist

  Fearless Daily Planet journalist and Superman's primary love interest.

• Lex Luthor (played by Gene Hackman) — supporting

  Brilliant but megalomaniacal billionaire criminal obsessed with defeating Superman.

• Jor-El (played by Marlon Brando) — supporting

  Kryptonian scientist and biological father of Kal-El.

• Otis (played by Ned Beatty) — supporting

  Bumbling henchman and loyal assistant to Lex Luthor.

• Non (played by Jack O'Halloran) — supporting

  Mute but immensely strong Kryptonian criminal.

• Eve Teschmacher (played by Valerie Perrine) — supporting

  Lex Luthor's assistant who occasionally aids Superman.

• General Zod (played by Terence Stamp) — minor

  Ruthless Kryptonian military leader exiled to the Phantom Zone.

• Ursa (played by Sarah Douglas) — minor

  Sadistic Kryptonian warrior loyal to General Zod.

• Perry White (played by Jackie Cooper) — supporting

  Gruff but fair editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet.

• Lara (played by Susannah York) — minor

  Kryptonian mother of Kal-El.

Key Relationships

• General Zod → Jor-El (Conflict Enemy)
• Eve Teschmacher → Clark Kent / Superman (Alliance Reluctant Ally)
• General Zod → Non (Alliance Commander)
• General Zod → Ursa (Alliance Commander)
• Perry White → Lois Lane (Professional Boss)
• Perry White → Clark Kent / Superman (Professional Boss)
• Lex Luthor → Otis (Professional Employer)
• Lex Luthor → Eve Teschmacher (Romantic Partner)
• Clark Kent / Superman → Lois Lane (Romantic Interest)
• Lex Luthor → Clark Kent / Superman (Conflict Arch Enemy)
• Lara → Clark Kent / Superman (Family Mother)
• Jor-El → Clark Kent / Superman (Family Father)

Story Analysis

A Kryptonian orphan rises to become Earth's greatest protector while thwarting a villainous plot to destroy the western United States.

Plot Progression

1. Kryptonian Origins & Earthly Beginnings
2. Metropolis Metamorphosis
3. Luthor's Cataclysmic Scheme
4. The Tragic Failure & Time Reversal