Call Me by Your Name - Characters & Cast

Elio's primary motivation is to understand and act upon his overwhelming attraction to Oliver. He is driven by a deep longing for connection and intimacy, seeking to bridge the emotional and physical distance between them while wrestling with his own insecurities and the fear of rejection.

Elio begins the summer as a precocious but emotionally inexperienced 17-year-old. He is intellectually mature but introverted and self-conscious. His intense infatuation with Oliver forces him to confront his own desires and vulnerabilities. Throughout the film, he navigates the complexities of first love, jealousy, and passion, ultimately emerging from the experience with a profound, albeit painful, understanding of himself and the nature of love and loss. His journey is a classic coming-of-age arc, moving from innocence to a deeper emotional maturity.

Oliver is motivated by a desire for academic success and a need to maintain a conventional life path. However, he is also drawn by a genuine and powerful desire for Elio. His arc is defined by the tension between these conflicting motivations: the pull of his authentic feelings versus the pressure of societal norms.

Oliver arrives as a confident, carefree American scholar who initially appears almost aloof. He acts as the catalyst for Elio's emotional and sexual awakening. While he seems more worldly and experienced, his arc reveals his own vulnerabilities and internal conflicts. He is initially hesitant to reciprocate Elio's feelings, aware of the potential complications, but ultimately gives in to their powerful connection. His eventual decision to conform to societal expectations by getting engaged reveals the constraints he operates under, making his time with Elio a rare moment of freedom.

Mr. Perlman's motivation is rooted in his deep love for his son. He wants Elio to live a full life, to embrace joy and pain without reservation, and to not shy away from profound emotional experiences, perhaps because he himself may have held back in his own life.

Mr. Perlman is a supportive and observant father throughout the film. He fosters an environment of intellectual and emotional freedom for Elio. His character doesn't have a dramatic arc in the traditional sense, but his profound impact is fully revealed in the film's final act. He moves from a background figure of quiet knowing to the story's moral and emotional anchor, delivering a powerful monologue that provides the film's core message of acceptance and empathy.

Annella is motivated by a desire to nurture her son's intellectual and emotional growth. She provides a safe and accepting space for Elio to discover himself, understanding him with a gentle, unspoken wisdom.

Annella is a warm, intelligent, and perceptive presence in the household. Like her husband, she is quietly aware of the developing bond between Elio and Oliver. Her arc is subtle; she remains a constant source of quiet support and understanding. She facilitates their connection without explicit intervention, such as when she reads a German story about a princess and a knight, which mirrors Elio's own dilemma: "Is it better to speak or to die?" Her quiet encouragement and emotional intelligence are fundamental to the loving, non-judgmental atmosphere of the home.