Manhattan - Characters & Cast

To find 'perfection' in life and love, and to create a work of art (his novel) that corrects the flaws he sees in the world.

Isaac starts as a judgmental observer, criticizing everyone's morals while dating a teenager. After leaving Tracy for Mary and subsequently being left by Mary, he realizes his own foolishness. He ends the film rushing back to Tracy, humbled and finally understanding the value of her genuine love, though he is too late to stop her from leaving.

To find validation and emotional security through intellectual superiority and complex relationships.

Mary begins as a confident-sounding intellectual who is actually deeply insecure and 'a mess'. She moves from Yale to Isaac, seeking stability, but ultimately returns to Yale, proving she is just as confused and flawed as the men she critiques.

To experience love and life authentically, without the layers of cynicism that plague the older characters.

Tracy remains consistent throughout the film, offering Isaac unconditional love. She matures not by changing her nature, but by standing firm in her plans to go to London for her studies, refusing to let Isaac's sudden change of heart derail her future, while still offering him hope.

To have his cake and eat it too; seeking pleasure without consequence.

Yale serves as a foil to Isaac. He is unable to make difficult choices, cheating on his wife and stringing Mary along. He doesn't essentially change; he simply drifts back into the affair when it becomes convenient, highlighting the moral weakness Isaac despises.