Character Relationship Map: Grind

Characters

• Eric Rivers (played by Mike Vogel) — protagonist

  One of the three high school skateboarder friends who embark on a summer road trip from Chicago to Santa Monica. Their primary goal is to get noticed by pro skater Jimmy Wilson during his demo tour. A...

• Matt Jensen (played by Vince Vieluf) — protagonist

  A high school skateboarder and close friend of Eric and Dustin. He joins the cross-country road trip to chase professional skateboarding dreams. As part of the founding trio of team Super Duper, he ac...

• Bam (played by Bam Margera) — supporting

  Bam is an already sponsored skater whom Eric encounters while trying to enter the professional scene. His established position and professional connections remind Eric that unknown skateboarders face...

• Greg (played by Sasha Jenson) — minor

  Greg is a young skater Eric meets at the skate shop while trying to keep his own career moving. He is seeking credibility and becomes involved in Eric's effort to obtain a free deck in exchange for pr...

Story Dynamics

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

• Eric Rivers → Bam (Narrative Established Skater And Aspiring Peer) — Bam represents the established skateboarding level Eric hopes to reach.

  The plot says Bam is already sponsored and that encountering him reminds Eric how difficult it is for unknown skaters to enter the professional scene.

• Eric Rivers → Greg (Alliance Promotional Partners) — They make a practical exchange that gives Greg a deck and the shop promotion.

  Eric negotiates a free deck for Greg in exchange for Greg promoting the skate shop.

• Eric Rivers → Matt Jensen (Social Close Friends) — They share the trip to seek recognition as skateboarders and face its setbacks together.

  The character profiles identify Matt as Eric's close friend, and the plot describes them pursuing skateboarding together on the road trip.

Story Analysis

Young skateboarders pursue recognition on the road, while the journey culminates in Matt's reconciliation with his parents.

Plot Progression

1. A Tape and a Small Deal — Eric seeks support for his skateboarding but is turned away by a shop owner. He makes a modest promotional deal with Greg and sees how far established skaters like Bam are ahead.
2. The Closed Door at the Demo — Eric, Matt, and their companions try to put their tapes before Jimmy Wilson. Jimmy's assistant blocks a meeting, and the rejection pushes them to form Super Duper Skates and take their search on the r...
3. A Tour of Setbacks — The group travels to find skating opportunities but struggles to attract professional skaters' attention. A party becomes disorderly, and the loss of their van and supplies leaves them stranded.
4. A Ride Toward Tucson — Hungry and exhausted, the skaters hitch a ride toward Tucson. Their disagreement over trip rules continues as they try to move forward.
5. Matt Makes Peace — The group reaches Matt's parents at a clown college, where he explains his lasting resentment. Their apology and his growing understanding bring the tour to an emotional resolution.