1980
Conrad Jarrett, a depressed teenager grappling with his brother's death and a suicide attempt, begins therapy while his emotionally distant mother, Beth, strains their family. As Conrad slowly confronts his trauma and survivor's guilt, a friend's suicide sends him into a deeper crisis, forcing a breakthrough in therapy. This emotional release, however, prompts Beth to leave her husband, Calvin, unable to cope with the family's unraveling vulnerability. In Beth's absence, Calvin and Conrad begin to heal and rebuild their relationship, finding solace in each other amidst their uncertain future.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Ordinary People follows the Jarrett family coping with Conrad’s return from a psychiatric hospital and the residual trauma of his brother’s death.
Open full beat sheetConrad Jarrett is listed as Protagonist. A high school student recovering from a suicide attempt and the death of his brother. In the parsed data, Conrad Jarrett is connected to 69 scenes, 170 dialogue lines, 173 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.
69 scenes / 170 dialogue linesBeth Jarrett is listed as Mother. A perfectionist who struggles to express emotion and cope with the family's trauma. In the parsed data, Beth Jarrett is connected to 44 scenes, 65 dialogue lines, 65 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.
44 scenes / 65 dialogue linesCalvin Jarrett is listed as Father. A tax attorney trying to keep his family together. In the parsed data, Calvin Jarrett is connected to 39 scenes, 108 dialogue lines, 108 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.
39 scenes / 108 dialogue linesJeannine Pratt is listed as Love Interest. A fellow choir member who becomes Conrad's girlfriend. In the parsed data, Jeannine Pratt is connected to 11 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 70.
11 scenes / 12 dialogue linesDr. Tyrone Berger is listed as Psychiatrist. Conrad's therapist who uses unconventional methods. In the parsed data, Dr. Tyrone Berger is connected to 10 scenes, 71 dialogue lines, 71 text mentions, first appearing around scene 24.
10 scenes / 71 dialogue linesLazenby is listed as Friend. A member of Conrad's high school friend group. In the parsed data, Lazenby is connected to 9 scenes, 20 dialogue lines, 23 text mentions, first appearing around scene 19.
9 scenes / 20 dialogue linesBuck Jarrett is listed as Deceased Brother. Conrad's older brother who died in a boating accident. In the parsed data, Buck Jarrett is connected to 9 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
9 scenes / 7 dialogue linesStillman is listed as Friend. A member of Conrad's high school friend group, often antagonistic. In the parsed data, Stillman is connected to 6 scenes, 31 dialogue lines, 35 text mentions, first appearing around scene 19.
6 scenes / 31 dialogue linesCoach Salan is listed as Swimming Coach. The demanding coach of the school swim team. In the parsed data, Coach Salan is connected to 5 scenes, 11 dialogue lines, 11 text mentions, first appearing around scene 25.
5 scenes / 11 dialogue linesKaren is listed as Friend. A friend from the hospital who later commits suicide. In the parsed data, Karen is connected to 2 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 53.
2 scenes / 2 dialogue linesA beautiful country town in the fall, focusing on the school.
Students rehearse Pachelbel's Canon in D; Conrad is singing.
Conrad Jarrett, Jeannine PrattConrad wakes up from a nightmare.
Conrad JarrettBeth and Calvin watch a play at the local theater.
Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettThe couples exit the theater and discuss the play.
Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettCalvin and Beth drive home; the atmosphere is cold.
Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettThe couple arrives home; Calvin checks on Conrad.
Conrad Jarrett, Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettCalvin talks to Conrad about his therapy.
Conrad Jarrett, Calvin JarrettCalvin and Beth go to bed.
Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettBeth prepares breakfast.
Beth JarrettConrad is awake in bed.
Conrad JarrettCalvin reads the paper while Beth cooks.
Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettConrad sits up.
Conrad JarrettBeth and Calvin discuss breakfast and Conrad.
Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettConrad is in his room.
Conrad JarrettCalvin calls for Conrad.
Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettConrad answers.
Conrad JarrettConrad arrives for breakfast; tension over food.
Conrad Jarrett, Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettConrad leaves for school with his friends.
Conrad Jarrett, Lazenby, StillmanConrad rides to school with his friends.
Conrad Jarrett, Jeannine Pratt, Lazenby, StillmanStudents arrive at school.
Conrad is distracted during literature class.
Conrad JarrettConrad eats alone.
Conrad JarrettConrad calls Dr. Berger.
Conrad Jarrett, Dr. Tyrone BergerConrad participates in swim practice.
Conrad Jarrett, Lazenby, Coach SalanConrad slams his locker.
Conrad JarrettThe family eats dinner.
Conrad Jarrett, Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettConrad has a nightmare.
Conrad Jarrett, Buck JarrettConrad continues to have a nightmare.
Conrad Jarrett, Buck JarrettConrad continues to have a nightmare.
Conrad Jarrett, Buck JarrettConrad continues to have a nightmare.
Conrad Jarrett, Buck JarrettConrad wakes up from his nightmare.
Conrad JarrettConrad hesitates before entering Dr. Berger's office.
Conrad JarrettConrad rehearses his meeting.
Conrad JarrettConrad meets Dr. Berger.
Conrad Jarrett, Dr. Tyrone BergerCalvin and Beth discuss family matters while Conrad reveals he has started seeing Dr. Berger.
Calvin Jarrett, Beth Jarrett, Conrad JarrettCoach Salan confronts Conrad about his lack of enthusiasm and his past hospitalization.
Coach Salan, Conrad JarrettConrad interacts with friends and meets Jeannine Pratt.
Conrad Jarrett, Lazenby, Stillman, Jeannine PrattBeth hands out candy to children for Halloween.
Beth JarrettChildren run away laughing.
Beth tries to convince Calvin to go to London for Christmas.
Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettBeth arrives home with groceries.
Beth JarrettBeth checks on Conrad's room and enters Buck's room.
Beth JarrettBeth sits in Buck's preserved room.
Beth JarrettConrad arrives home.
Conrad JarrettConrad startles Beth in Buck's room.
Conrad Jarrett, Beth JarrettBeth and Conrad discuss his swimming and schoolwork.
Conrad Jarrett, Beth JarrettBeth and Calvin drive to a party.
Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettArrival at the Murray's house.
Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettBeth and Calvin attend the birthday party.
Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettBeth and Calvin argue in the car about Calvin revealing Conrad's therapy to Annie.
Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettConrad has a tense therapy session with Dr. Berger.
Conrad Jarrett, Dr. Tyrone BergerConrad meets Karen for a drink; they discuss the hospital and their current lives.
Conrad Jarrett, KarenBeth and Conrad have an awkward conversation in the garden.
Conrad Jarrett, Beth JarrettConrad tries to help Beth, but she dismisses him.
Conrad Jarrett, Beth JarrettBeth gossips on the phone while Conrad watches, devastated. The scene transitions to Dr. Berger's office where Conrad discusses his lack of connection with his mother and his memories of his father after Buck's death.
Conrad Jarrett, Beth Jarrett, Dr. Tyrone BergerCalvin walks with his partner Ray Hanley, who questions Calvin about his recent behavior and his son Conrad.
Calvin JarrettCalvin reflects on his sons while riding the train home.
Calvin JarrettFlashback to young Conrad and Buck arguing over a sweater while Calvin watches.
Conrad Jarrett, Calvin Jarrett, Buck JarrettCalvin knocks on Conrad's door.
Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettConrad is taken away in an ambulance after his suicide attempt.
Conrad Jarrett, Beth JarrettCalvin prepares to get off the train.
Calvin JarrettConrad swims, looking exhausted and detached.
Conrad JarrettCoach Salan confronts Conrad about quitting the swim team.
Conrad Jarrett, Coach SalanLazenby confronts Conrad about quitting the team, leading to an argument.
Conrad Jarrett, Lazenby, StillmanDr. Berger pushes Conrad to express his anger, resulting in a breakthrough.
Conrad Jarrett, Dr. Tyrone BergerThe family attempts to take a group photo, but tension rises between Beth and Calvin over the camera.
Conrad Jarrett, Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettBeth and her mother discuss Conrad's behavior and the possibility of sending him away to school.
Beth JarrettThe choir finishes rehearsal.
Conrad Jarrett, Jeannine PrattConrad and Jeannine have a brief, friendly conversation.
Conrad Jarrett, Jeannine PrattConrad and Jeannine talk about music before she catches her bus.
Conrad Jarrett, Jeannine PrattConrad walks home singing.
Conrad JarrettConrad calls Karen's mother, then works up the courage to call Jeannine.
Conrad JarrettCalvin and Conrad arrive home with a Christmas tree.
Conrad Jarrett, Calvin JarrettA heated argument erupts between Beth, Calvin, and Conrad regarding Conrad quitting the swim team.
Conrad Jarrett, Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettCalvin tries to talk to Conrad, followed by a session with Dr. Berger.
Conrad Jarrett, Calvin Jarrett, Dr. Tyrone BergerCalvin jogs with a friend, then runs alone while experiencing intrusive memories of his family's conflicts.
Calvin Jarrett, LazenbyCalvin attempts to discuss his feelings about Buck's funeral with Beth, but she is dismissive.
Calvin Jarrett, Beth JarrettBeth runs into an acquaintance and exchanges pleasantries.
Beth JarrettBeth is distracted while shopping.
Beth JarrettGo! OK, Come on, now! Move it, you guys! Move it! Keep it going! Keep it going! Keep it going! Come on! Keep plugging! Plugging! Use those legs! Use those legs! Lazenby, get with it! Jarrett, keep your head down! Work it out there! Work it! Come on, now! Come on! Push off! Get your head down. Jarrett! Come on! Keep it up! Keep it going! Dig! Dig! Dig in there! Come on! Get at it! Push on. Jarrett! Push on!
With Valerie, it's more than her living away from home... She's gone. Got her own friends, her own life. She breezes in ...for a couple of days on vacations, but... I don't know, maybe girls are different. Or maybe she was too aware of what was happening between Nance and me. But they leave... And all that worrying doesn't amount to a hill of crap. It's just wasted energy.
My father came into my room and he didn't know what to say. This is right after Buck died. And he came over and sat on the bed next to me, put his arm around my shoulder. We just sat there. I remember I was watching his shoe. And thinking... Cos his shoe was turned over on its side. I was thinking: "He's so uptight, it's gonna crack off."
We would've been all right, if there hadn't been any ...mess. But you can't handle mess. You need everything neat and ...easy. I don't know. Maybe you can't love anybody. It was so much Buck. And Buck died, it was as if you buried all your love with him, and I don't understand that. I just don't know.
Ward, you tell me the definition of happy, uh? But first, you better make sure that your kids are good and safe, that no one's fallen off a horse, or been hit by a car, or drowned in that swimming pool you're so proud of! And then you come to me and tell me how to be happy!
But they were all right. They were just up and they were having a good time, and I let them get in the way of what was happening. It was dumb. It was dumb. I've been doing lots of dumb things lately. I just didn't know wether or not you were being straight with me.
The thing about it is, in a year he'll be gone. Off to Michigan or Harvard or wherever in the hell he gets it in his head he wants to go. Maybe he'll decide to take a tour of Europe for a year and not even go to school at all. Who knows?
And I knew I should have felt something. But I didn't know what to feel. I kept thinking what they say on TV, you know, stuff like: "Oh, no, noo! Ooh, My god!" But I didn't say that... because I didn't feel sad... so much as...
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