Eric Love (played by Jack O'Connell) is a protagonist in Starred Up.
A violent 19-year-old transferred to a high-security adult prison. He initially attacks staff and inmates but is guided into therapy by Oliver. He struggles with his domineering father Neville, discovers his secret relationship, and ultimately survives an assassination attempt orchestrated by prison boss Dennis, culminating in a rescue by Neville. Neville Love (played by Ben Mendelsohn) is a protagonist in Starred Up.
Eric's father and a senior inmate serving a life sentence. He acts as a lieutenant for the prison's crime boss, demands Eric obey rules, and is uncomfortable with his son's emotional outbursts. After discovering his own secret relationship, he defies Dennis to save Eric from execution and shares a final reconciliation before his transfer. Oliver Baumer (played by Rupert Friend) appears in Starred Up.
A volunteer prison therapist who intervenes to protect Eric from guard retaliation. He facilitates a therapy group for inmates with violent histories, skillfully de-escalating conflicts to help them confront their underlying rage. Eric eventually joins his sessions. Des (played by Gershwyn Eustache Jnr) appears in Starred Up.
Starred Up (2014) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Eric Love
(played by Jack O'Connell) — protagonist
A violent 19-year-old transferred to a high-security adult prison. He initially attacks staff and inmates but is guided into therapy by Oliver. He struggles with his domineering father Neville, discov...
Neville Love
(played by Ben Mendelsohn) — protagonist
Eric's father and a senior inmate serving a life sentence. He acts as a lieutenant for the prison's crime boss, demands Eric obey rules, and is uncomfortable with his son's emotional outbursts. After...
Oliver Baumer
(played by Rupert Friend) — supporting
A volunteer prison therapist who intervenes to protect Eric from guard retaliation. He facilitates a therapy group for inmates with violent histories, skillfully de-escalating conflicts to help them c...
Des
(played by Gershwyn Eustache Jnr) — supporting
Key Relationships
Des → Oliver Baumer
(Professional Therapy Participant)
Des → Eric Love
(Social Group Member)
Des → Neville Love
(Alliance Protector)
Story Analysis
A volatile prison transfer triggers therapy, violence, and a father-son reconciliation amid criminal power struggles.
