Character Relationship Map: Getting Straight

Characters

• Harry Bailey (played by Elliott Gould) — protagonist

  A former student activist and Vietnam War veteran returning to college as a graduate student to earn a master's degree and become a teacher. Initially avoiding campus unrest, he is deeply affected by...

• Jan (played by Candice Bergen) — protagonist

  Harry Bailey's girlfriend and a prominent leader in the university student protests. Her activism and the resulting campus tensions force Harry to confront his own changing values. She advocates for l...

• Nick (played by Robert F. Lyons) — supporting

  Nick tries to draw Harry away from class by offering drugs and a date. Harry refuses, explaining that he needs to pass his tests and qualify to teach. Their exchange shows Nick pulling Harry toward im...

• Alice Linden (played by Elizabeth Lane) — minor

Canonical Relationships

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

• Harry Bailey → Jan (Romantic Partners Under Strain) — Their relationship is strained by Harry's studies and financial worries, while Jan asks for more attention and Harry asks her to be patient.

  The plot identifies Jan as Harry's girlfriend. She tells him she is pregnant, then admits she said it to see how he would respond; they discuss his fo...

Story Dynamics

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

• Harry Bailey → Alice Linden (Social Dinner Conversation) — Alice is present during a dinner conversation in which Harry defends the protesters against Wade's condemnation.

  Harry has dinner with Alice Linden and Wade Linden, where the conversation turns to the protesters and their motives. The plot does not specify a dire...

• Harry Bailey → Nick (Conflicting Influences) — Nick's invitation conflicts with Harry's determination to finish his studies.

  Nick tries to lure Harry away from class with drugs and a date, while Harry insists that he needs to pass his tests and qualify to teach.

Story Analysis

Harry struggles to complete his education and maintain his relationship while campus unrest pushes him to challenge university authority and defend student voices.

Plot Progression

1. The Cost of Staying in School — Harry faces a tuition debt that threatens his credits and classes. Despite Nick's attempt to distract him, Harry remains focused on completing his studies and qualifying to teach.
2. A Test of Their Relationship — Jan's false pregnancy announcement alarms Harry before she explains why she made it. Their conversation exposes her desire for attention and his request for patience while he finishes his work.
3. Arguments Over Campus Unrest — As protests and confrontations grow, Harry becomes more involved in arguments about activism and freedom. At dinner, he defends the protesters against Wade Linden's condemnation.
4. Confronting University Authority — Harry challenges the curfew and restrictions, arguing that suppression encourages violence and students deserve a voice. He questions whether the university's laws are just, while administrators resis...
5. An Unresolved Appeal — Harry is encouraged to take his argument directly to the students. The exchange ends without establishing what happens next.