The Big Lebowski (idea)

The Big Lebowski is, among other things, a homage to Raymond Chandler's 1939 novel The Big Sleep, which was itself adapted for the screen twice so far. Several characters in Lebowski also have their counterparts in The Big Sleep:

• The Dude (Jeff Bridges): Philip Marlowe
  The detective/protagonist.
• The Big Lebowski/Jeffrey Lebowski (David Huddleston): General Sternwood
  The rich old guy in a wheelchair who hires the detective.
• Maude Lebowski (Julianne Moore): Vivian Sternwood
  The old guy's older, more staid daughter (only daughter in Lebowski) who has an affair with the detective.
• Bunny Lebowski (Tara Reid): Carmen Sternwood
  The younger, frivolous daughter (trophy wife in Lebowski) who has had some experience in pornography.
• Brandt (Philip Seymour Hoffman): Vincent Norris
  Butler/assistant of old guy.
• Jackie Treehorn (Ben Gazzara): Eddie Mars
  Semi-legitimate businessman with past connections to Bunny/Carmen.

This is probably incomplete, please /msg me if you spot any additional characters.