Norman Collier

"Kinda looked like you. Had that same 'I'm smarter than everyone else' expression that you got."

- Don Collier talking about his brother to Norman Ellison.

Norman Collier was Don Collier's brother.

He was not mentioned in the final cut of the film, but in the script he is mentioned occasionally. In a deleted scene from the film he is also talked about.

Biography
Don was very close with his brother Norman. Don used to drink a lot, and one night became terribly intoxicated before driving home with Norman and his girlfriend, Rose, in the car. The car crashed, killing both Norman and Rose, and burning Don's back horribly. For years to come, Don would still be deeply disturbed by Norman's death and the whole county despised him for it. Don was then given the choice of the military or prison. Norman was sixteen years old.

While he was serving in World War II, Don met a young man named Norman Ellison, who replaced a deceased crew member in Don's tank, Fury. Norman and Don share an immediate connection, although they do quarrel a bit from time to time. After Emma's death and Norman questions Don about the severe burns on his back, Don explains that they are not from war and mentions that his brother was named Norman, thus explaining why Don cares so much about Norman in particular and strengthening their bond.

Sadly, these scenes describing Norman Collier and explaining Don's burns only appeared in the film script and though they were filmed, were not added to the film. However, some elements remain. The moment Norman introduces himself to Don and says his name, Don hesitates for a while and you can see that he has been reminded of his brother by a look of deep regret on his face.