Character Relationship Map: The Ritual

Characters

• Father Joseph Steiger (played by Dan Stevens) — protagonist

  A younger Capuchin priest initially skeptical of demonic possession due to personal trauma. He accompanies Father Riesinger, witnesses Emma's supernatural symptoms, overcomes his doubts, and fully com...

• Emma Schmidt (played by Abigail Cowen) — protagonist

  A young woman from Iowa suffering from severe supernatural phenomena, including night terrors, violent outbursts, speaking unknown languages, and aversion to sacred items. Identified as possessed, she...

• Father Theophilus Riesinger (played by Al Pacino) — supporting

  A seasoned Capuchin priest renowned for conducting exorcisms. He travels to Iowa to investigate Emma's case, leads the intensive 23-day ritual with prayer and confrontation, and successfully drives ou...

• Mother Superior (played by Patricia Heaton) — supporting

  The head of the convent where the exorcisms are conducted. She monitors the priests' well-being during the intense ritual period and oversees the nuns' support efforts.

Canonical Relationships

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

• Mother Superior → Emma Schmidt (Power Convent Custodian) — The Mother Superior is responsible for the convent environment in which Emma receives treatment.

  The exorcisms take place at a convent, where Emma is roomed upstairs and the Mother Superior oversees support efforts.

• Mother Superior → Father Theophilus Riesinger (Professional Welfare Overseer) — She provides institutional oversight while Riesinger leads the exorcism.

  The Mother Superior oversees the convent and observes the effects of the intense ritual on the priests.

• Mother Superior → Father Joseph Steiger (Professional Welfare Overseer) — She monitors Steiger's condition during the prolonged ritual period.

  The Mother Superior notices the toll the exorcisms take on Steiger's health while he continues his priestly duties.

• Father Theophilus Riesinger → Emma Schmidt (Professional Exorcist And Subject) — Their central professional relationship drives the film's supernatural conflict.

  Riesinger travels to Iowa to help Emma and conducts the twenty-three-day exorcism through prayer, talking, and ritual.

Story Dynamics

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

• Father Joseph Steiger → Emma Schmidt (Alliance Reluctant Helper) — Steiger develops from a doubtful observer into an active helper in Emma's deliverance.

  Steiger witnesses Emma's inexplicable actions, gradually abandons his skepticism, and finally commits fully to the ritual.

• Father Joseph Steiger → Father Theophilus Riesinger (Alliance Reluctant Companion) — They work together during the investigation and exorcism, with Steiger eventually committing fully to Riesinger's mission.

  Father Steiger travels to Iowa with Father Riesinger despite his skepticism about demonic possession.

Story Analysis

A skeptical priest discovers spiritual commitment while helping an afflicted woman endure a prolonged exorcism.

Plot Progression

1. A Plea From Earling — Emma Schmidt suffers terrifying supernatural symptoms in Earling, Iowa. Her family seeks Church assistance, bringing Father Theophilus Riesinger and the skeptical Father Joseph Steiger into the case.
2. The Convent Of Torment — Emma is housed at the convent attached to the parish church. The first ritual exposes violent physical reactions, environmental changes, and multiple voices.
3. Voices Behind Emma — The possession reveals ancient unclean spirits through Emma's speech and behavior. The priests continue the exorcisms as her body and voice display increasingly disturbing phenomena.
4. Steiger's Sacred Resolve — Steiger continues daily Mass while the ritual damages his health. Watching Emma's suffering gradually gives him renewed purpose and brings him fully into the struggle.
5. Deliverance In The Catacombs — The final exorcism lasts seventy-two continuous hours. After Emma runs into the catacombs, the priests confront the possessing forces with Christ-centered commands and achieve her delivery.