Duncan’s Decline

This flow follows Duncan Cartwright’s loss of control as his coercive authority is exposed and defeated.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Gallery Predator

The Gallery Predator Power Duncan Cartwright controls artists, money, and access to the New York art world. Exploitation He turns promises of career advancement into sexual leverage. Image His cultivated elegance conceals a predatory private life.

The McGrath Lead

The McGrath Lead Information Duncan Cartwright explains Blake McGrath’s fame and market value. Underestimation He dismisses Connie Dixon’s discovery as possible forgery while recognizing its financial importance. Error His condescension gives Connie time to act independently.

The Boardroom Assault

The Boardroom Assault Threat Duncan Cartwright threatens housing and nursing support when Connie Dixon refuses to reveal Blake McGrath’s location. Violence He strikes her when she resists. Exposure The assault destroys the last illusion that his relationship with Connie contains mutual respect.

The Lost Painting

The Lost Painting Bargain Duncan Cartwright accepts a Blake McGrath painting in exchange for Connie Dixon’s release from debt. Compulsion His greed prevents him from seeing that the transaction is Connie’s final act of defiance. Defeat He gains an object of enormous value but loses the person he controlled.

The Empty Threat

The Empty Threat Retaliation Duncan Cartwright claims Connie Dixon will never work in New York again. Irrelevance His threat cannot reach the new life she is building in Maine. Collapse His authority survives only as a memory of the past.

Before Connie Dixon’s escape

During Connie Dixon’s first call from Maine

After Connie Dixon returns to New York

Immediately after the assault

After Connie Dixon leaves the boardroom