Lee Garner Jr. and Don Draper: relationship profile

In the world of Mad Men, the characters are complex and layered, each with their own unique motivations and psychological makeup. Two such characters that stand out in their portrayal are Lee Garner Jr. and Don Draper. While these characters may seem worlds apart at first glance, a closer examination reveals a captivating relationship that sheds light on the psychology of both men.Lee Garner Jr., the heir to the Lucky Strike empire, is initially introduced as a whimsical and entitled man. He exudes an air of privilege, seemingly unaffected by the consequences of his actions. Lee's blatant disregard for the consequences of smoking and his manipulation of those around him are indicative of his materialistic and self-serving nature. His actions reflect a deep sense of entitlement, rooted in the belief that money can buy happiness and absolve him of any responsibility.Don Draper, on the other hand, is a complex character grappling with his own identity and past. As the creative genius behind Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, Don presents a façade of confidence, charisma, and success. However, beneath this polished exterior lies a man burdened by his secrets and haunted by his past. Don is a master of reinvention, constantly striving to escape the mistakes and pain of his former self, Dick Whitman.What makes the relationship between Lee Garner Jr. and Don Draper intriguing is the way in which they serve as mirrors for each other's psychology. Each character embodies qualities that the other both admires and despises, creating a complex dynamic that highlights their underlying psychological motivations.For Lee, Don represents the epitome of success and the embodiment of the American Dream. He is captivated by Don's charm, creativity, and ability to navigate the cutthroat world of advertising effortlessly. Lee longs to possess the qualities he sees in Don, especially the perceived ability to reinvent oneself and escape the constraints of one's past. In many ways, Don serves as a symbol of everything Lee wishes he could be.On the other hand, Don recognizes in Lee the extreme embodiment of the consumerism and corporate greed that he often despises. He sees Lee as a cautionary tale, a reminder of the emptiness and hollowness that can come with a life driven solely by material pursuits. Don's disdain for Lee's disregard of the health consequences of smoking reflects his own battle with morality and his inner struggle between personal fulfillment and societal expectations.Furthermore, the relationship between Lee Garner Jr. and Don Draper highlights the power dynamics at play in the advertising industry. Lee, as the benefactor of Lucky Strike, holds significant sway over Don and the agency. This power imbalance is not lost on Don, who recognizes the fragile nature of their alliance and the potential consequences of displeasing Lee. This dynamic adds an additional layer of complexity to their relationship, with each maneuvering to maintain their own influence and control.In conclusion, the relationship between Lee Garner Jr. and Don Draper is a fascinating exploration of the intertwined psychologies of two complex characters. Lee's admiration for Don's success and ability to reinvent himself mirrors his own desires, while Don's disdain for Lee's materialism reflects his struggle with morality and identity. Their dynamic also underscores the power dynamics inherent in the advertising industry. Through their interactions, we gain insight into the motivations and psychological makeup of both Lee Garner Jr. and Don Draper, ultimately deepening our understanding of these captivating Mad Men characters.