A Walk to Remember
A nostalgic teenage romance where the skepticism of a rebellious outcast collides with the unwavering faith of a minister's daughter. Through the lens of terminal illness, it paints a tearful portrait of redemption, transforming a bucket list into a testament of eternal love.
A Walk to Remember
A Walk to Remember

"It all comes down to who's by your side."

25 January 2002 United States of America 101 min ⭐ 7.8 (4,196)
Director: Adam Shankman
Cast: Mandy Moore, Shane West, Peter Coyote, Daryl Hannah, Lauren German
Drama Romance
Transformation and Redemption Faith vs. Skepticism The Fragility of Life Social prejudice and Peer Pressure
Budget: $11,800,000
Box Office: $47,494,916

A Walk to Remember - Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Landon Carter

Shane West

Archetype: The Redeemed Bad Boy
Key Trait: Restless cynicism turned to devotion

Motivation

Initially to avoid expulsion; later, to make Jamie happy and be the man she sees in him.

Character Arc

Starts as an aimless, peer-pressured bully who hurts others to maintain status. Through his relationship with Jamie, he learns responsibility, compassion, and self-worth. He ends the film as a medical student, driven by the desire to help others.

Jamie Sullivan

Mandy Moore

Archetype: The Saint / The Guide
Key Trait: Unwavering Faith

Motivation

To live her life according to God's plan and to witness a miracle before she dies.

Character Arc

She remains steadfast in her character but evolves from a social pariah to a beloved figure in Landon's life. Her arc is about opening her heart to romantic love despite knowing her time is short.

Reverend Hegbert Sullivan

Peter Coyote

Archetype: The Protective Father
Key Trait: Stern Protectiveness

Motivation

To protect his dying daughter from heartbreak and the world.

Character Arc

Initially hostile toward Landon due to his reputation and family history. He eventually softens, realizing Landon's love is genuine, and allows the marriage.

Cynthia Carter

Daryl Hannah

Archetype: The Supportive Mother
Key Trait: Quiet Understanding

Motivation

To see her son find his path.

Character Arc

She watches her son with concern but gives him the space to grow. She is the first to notice the positive change Jamie brings out in him.

Cast

Mandy Moore as Jamie Sullivan
Shane West as Landon Carter
Peter Coyote as Reverend Sullivan
Daryl Hannah as Cynthia Carter
Lauren German as Belinda
Clayne Crawford as Dean
Paz de la Huerta as Tracie
Matt Lutz as Clay Gephardt
Al Thompson as Eric
Jonathan Parks Jordan as Walker
David Andrews as Mr. Kelly
David Lee Smith as Dr. Carter
Xavier Hernandez as Luis
Marisa Miller as Ms. Garber
Erik Smith as Eddie Zimmerhoff