Character Relationship Map: Luv

Characters

• Harry Berlin (played by Jack Lemmon) — protagonist

  A barely functional, suicidal man rescued by his friend Milt. He marries Milt's wife Ellen but proves to be a childish and difficult partner, even stomping on her toe to test her love. To save the mar...

• Milt Manville (played by Peter Falk) — protagonist

  Harry's charismatic but manipulative old friend. He orchestrates a scheme to get his wife Ellen to divorce him by having Harry court her. After a failed second marriage to his mistress Linda leaves hi...

• Ellen Manville (played by Elaine May) — supporting

  Milt's long-suffering wife who initiates a divorce. She falls in love with Harry and marries him, but quickly grows frustrated by his childish behavior and bizarre love tests. Realizing her feelings h...

• Linda (played by Nina Wayne) — supporting

  A beautiful blonde fitness instructor who is Milt's secret lover. After Milt divorces Ellen to marry her, Linda becomes a stay-at-home lounge bird and dumps him when he sells household items. Later, s...

Key Relationships

• Ellen Manville → Linda (Conflict Clashing Rivals)
• Harry Berlin → Linda (Alliance Rescuers)
• Milt Manville → Linda (Romantic Former Lovers)
• Harry Berlin → Ellen Manville (Romantic Husband And Wife)
• Harry Berlin → Milt Manville (Social Old Friends)
• Milt Manville → Ellen Manville (Romantic Ex-Spouses)

Story Analysis

The chaotic pursuit of love through manipulation, self-discovery, and unexpected romantic alignments.

Plot Progression

1. The Bridge Intervention
2. The Manipulated Union
3. The Reconciliation Scheme
4. The Bridge Climax