Consenting Adult

A conservative, emotionally reserved father who struggles to accept his son's homosexuality. His initial insistence on denying the reality of Jeff's orientation shifts to a more fragile openness after witnessing his son's pain and love for him. His arc culminates in a tearful acknowledgment of the conflict between his beliefs and his love for his son. He dies later of a stroke, leaving a letter that reveals his gradual, imperfect attempt to reconcile with Jeff.

A young man who has wrestled with his sexual orientation for years and chooses to live openly with his sexuality. He challenges his parents’ views, ends the therapy sessions, and eventually moves out to start a life with his boyfriend. He remains influenced by his family’s love while forging his own path toward self-acceptance.

A devoted mother who wants to protect her son but is initially conflicted by fear and social conditioning. She seeks counseling to help with the conversion attempts but ultimately reaches a place of acceptance. Her journey reflects the tension between maternal love and evolving values.

The older daughter, pregnant and married, who embodies a conventional path. She provides a mirror to the parents’ anxieties and acts as a contrast to Jeff’s openness. She remains a stabilizing force within the family’s complex dynamics.

A physician who becomes part of Tess’s attempt to handle Jeff’s orientation, underscoring the era’s tendency to medicalize sexuality. He cites statistics about therapy and potential changes, illustrating the view that orientation could be treated as a disease. His involvement highlights the ethical debates surrounding psychiatric practices.

Jeff’s roommate and best friend who initially shows reluctance and homophobia. He challenges Jeff’s disclosure and vocalizes prejudice, pushing Jeff to confront his own truth and to seek new companionship. His stance underscores the social obstacles to acceptance.

Jeff’s boyfriend, a source of support and companionship. He represents the life Jeff is building after choosing authenticity and leaving behind a strained family environment. He helps illustrate acceptance outside the immediate family circle.