Character Relationship Map: The Cat from Outer Space

Characters

• Frank (played by Ken Berry) — protagonist

  E.R.L. scientist whose correct but ridiculed theory on the UFO power source attracts the alien Jake. He helps Jake repair his ship by acquiring gold, raises funds through sports betting and a pool gam...

• Liz (played by Sandy Duncan) — protagonist

  Colleague of Frank at the E.R.L. who initially clashes with his humor but later assists him and Jake. She arrives for a date with Jake, later gets captured by the criminal Olympus, and requires rescue...

• Link (played by McLean Stevenson) — supporting

  Frank's colleague and sports bettor who initially watches games at Frank's apartment. Jake uses telekinesis to help his horse win, and Link parleys his bets to raise the $120,000 needed for gold. He i...

Canonical Relationships

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

• Frank → Liz (Professional Colleague) — They are scientific colleagues whose professional disagreement develops into cooperation.

  Liz is identified as a scientist working with Frank at the Energy Research Laboratory, and she challenges his response to the UFO discovery.

• Frank → Link (Professional Colleague) — They share a workplace connection and an established social relationship.

  Link is described as Frank's colleague and visits Frank's apartment to watch horse races and football games.

Story Dynamics

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

• Liz → Link (Alliance Allies) — They become fellow captives within the criminal threat facing the group.

  Liz and Link are both captured by Olympus's men after the betting and pool-hall events.

Story Analysis

A stranded extraterrestrial seeks human help to repair his ship, but friendship and loyalty ultimately lead him to choose Earth.

Plot Progression

1. The Stranded Visitor — A UFO lands on Earth, and its cat-like occupant is separated from the departing Mother Ship. The alien discovers that Frank's ridiculed scientific theory may help repair the ship.
2. A Dangerous Partnership — The alien reveals his powers to Frank and seeks his assistance. Frank and Liz's professional tension is mixed with a developing romantic connection as the repair plan begins.
3. The Price of Gold — The diagnostic device identifies gold as the substance required for repair, creating a $120,000 financial obstacle. Frank and Link attempt to use sports betting and a pool game to obtain the money.
4. Hostages and Sacrifice — The group wins the money but attracts military and criminal attention. Liz and Link are captured, and the alien sends the ship away before choosing to remain on Earth and help rescue them.
5. A New Earthly Home — Frank and the alien mount an aerial rescue using a broken-down biplane. After the helicopter crashes, the alien is permitted to remain on Earth and receives United States citizenship.