Character Relationship Map: L.A. Without a Map

Characters

• Richard (played by David Tennant) — protagonist

  Protagonist and 22-year-old Scottish undertaker turned aspiring screenwriter. He impulsively travels from Bradford to Los Angeles to pursue Barbara. Struggles with low-paying jobs, intense jealousy, a...

• Julie (played by Julie Delpy) — protagonist

  Barbara's waitress colleague at a Japanese restaurant. She befriends Richard at a nightclub and later informs him that Barbara no longer wishes to see him, acting as a narrative bridge during Richard'...

• Barbara (played by Vinessa Shaw) — supporting

  An aspiring Hollywood actress and waitress. She initially meets Richard in Bradford, dates him in LA, and leaves him due to his jealousy over her work relationship with director Patterson. She ultimat...

• Moss (played by Vincent Gallo) — supporting

  A musician in the Leningrad Cowboys band who befriends Richard in LA. He helps Richard secure housing, introduces him to Julie, and later assists in getting Richard released from prison, serving as a...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Barbara → Julie (Professional Work Colleague) — Barbara and Julie share a workplace and a personal acquaintance.

  Julie is identified as Barbara's waitress friend at the Japanese restaurant.

• Moss → Julie (Romantic Partner) — Moss and Julie form a rapid romantic connection.

  Richard introduces Moss to Julie at the nightclub, they quickly get along, and they leave together for a hotel.

• Richard → Barbara (Romantic Interest) — Richard's intense attraction to Barbara drives his journey from Bradford to Los Angeles.

  Richard meets Barbara during a burial and becomes infatuated with her. He impulsively flies to Los Angeles to pursue their connection.

Story Dynamics

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

• Barbara → Moss (Social Acquaintance) — Moss becomes connected to Barbara through Richard's social group.

  Barbara meets Moss at the nightclub where he performs with the Leningrad Cowboys band and later spends the night on the road with him and Richard.

• Richard → Julie (Social Acquaintance) — Julie is part of Richard's limited social circle in Los Angeles.

  Richard meets Julie through Barbara at the nightclub and later visits the restaurant where Julie works.

• Richard → Moss (Social Friend) — Moss becomes Richard's principal personal support in Los Angeles.

  Richard befriends Moss after arriving in Los Angeles, and Moss helps him find a dingy apartment.

Story Analysis

A romantic dramedy about an impulsive writer whose pursuit of love and creative ambition leads through jealousy, collapse, and a second chance.

Plot Progression

1. A Chance Encounter in Bradford — Richard lives an unsatisfying life as an undertaker and obituary writer while dreaming of screenwriting. Meeting Barbara during a burial awakens his romantic hopes and prompts his impulsive journey to...
2. Stranded Among Dreams — Richard finds Barbara working in Los Angeles but discovers that she is connected to a director. With Moss's help, he finds housing and work while waiting for Barbara to decide what she wants.
3. Love, Betrayal, and Marriage — Barbara witnesses the director's infidelity and leaves him, allowing her relationship with Richard to grow. Their road trip leads to a sudden Las Vegas wedding and new hopes for both romance and creat...
4. Jealousy Undermines the Marriage — Barbara helps Richard meet a screenwriting agent, but her acting ambitions trigger his jealousy. The director's unethical offer and continued involvement with Barbara cause their marriage to collapse.
5. Collapse and Second Beginning — After Julie communicates Barbara's rejection, Richard makes a dangerous chloroform attempt and spends the night in prison. He returns to Bradford, where Barbara brings career news, admits he was right...