Pastor Ernst Toller (played by Ethan Hawke) is a protagonist in First Reformed.
Reverend of a historic Dutch Reformed Church struggling with alcoholism and the guilt of his son's death in the Iraq War. He seeks spiritual guidance, becomes entangled with radical environmentalist Michael Mensana, and ultimately prepares for a sacrificial protest involving an explosive vest and drain cleaner before embracing Mary. Mary Mensana (played by Amanda Seyfried) is a protagonist in First Reformed.
Wife of radical environmentalist Michael Mensana. She seeks counseling from Toller, discovers her husband's suicide vest, and develops a complex emotional and physical connection with the pastor. She ultimately interrupts Toller's suicide attempt and shares a passionate embrace with him. Michael Mensana (played by Philip Ettinger) appears in First Reformed.
Radical environmentalist and husband of Mary. Driven by climate change despair, he creates a suicide vest and urges his wife to abort their unborn child. He dies by suicide, leaving behind a laptop and instructions for his ashes to be scattered at a toxic waste dump. Doctor (played by Gary Lee Mahmoud) appears in First Reformed.
Edward Balq (played by Michael Gaston) appears in First Reformed.
Industrialist and major financial backer of the Abundant Life megachurch. He attends the church's anniversary service and engages in a heated debate with Toller at a diner, dismissing climate change concerns as complicated contrary to Toller's stance on Christian stewardship.
First Reformed (2018) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Pastor Ernst Toller
(played by Ethan Hawke) — protagonist
Reverend of a historic Dutch Reformed Church struggling with alcoholism and the guilt of his son's death in the Iraq War. He seeks spiritual guidance, becomes entangled with radical environmentalist M...
Mary Mensana
(played by Amanda Seyfried) — protagonist
Wife of radical environmentalist Michael Mensana. She seeks counseling from Toller, discovers her husband's suicide vest, and develops a complex emotional and physical connection with the pastor. She...
Michael Mensana
(played by Philip Ettinger) — supporting
Radical environmentalist and husband of Mary. Driven by climate change despair, he creates a suicide vest and urges his wife to abort their unborn child. He dies by suicide, leaving behind a laptop an...
Doctor
(played by Gary Lee Mahmoud) — minor
Edward Balq
(played by Michael Gaston) — supporting
Industrialist and major financial backer of the Abundant Life megachurch. He attends the church's anniversary service and engages in a heated debate with Toller at a diner, dismissing climate change c...
Key Relationships
Mary Mensana → Michael Mensana
(Family Husband And Wife)
Pastor Ernst Toller → Doctor
(Professional Medical Advisor)
Pastor Ernst Toller → Edward Balq
(Conflict Ideological Rival)
Pastor Ernst Toller → Michael Mensana
(Professional Client)
Pastor Ernst Toller → Mary Mensana
(Professional Counselor)
Story Analysis
A grieving pastor's spiritual crisis escalates into a radical confrontation with climate change and personal despair.
