Chris and Joe Keller in All My Sons differ in their education, moral values, and idealism. Chris, a WWII veteran, seeks truth and moral responsibility, driven by survivor's guilt and a desire for a meaningful life. Joe, an uneducated factory owner, prioritizes family and business, rationalizing unethical actions to protect them. Joe's guilt over selling faulty airplane parts leads to his suicide, contrasting Chris's commitment to ethical integrity.

Chris Keller faces significant conflicts with his family and girlfriend. With his father, Joe, Chris struggles to reconcile the man he admired with the one who committed a crime that killed 21 pilots, leading to a permanent rift. His mother, Kate, refuses to accept Larry's death, causing tension as Chris plans to marry Ann, Larry's former girlfriend. Chris and Ann clash over confronting his parents with the truth about Joe's guilt and Larry's death.

Chris calls his father "Joe McGuts" because Keller bravely faced his neighbors' skepticism after being released from custody. Instead of avoiding them, Keller parked down the street to walk past and confront their suspicions directly. This act of facing potential accusations head-on was seen by Chris as a display of courage, hence the nickname "Joe McGuts," suggesting Keller had nothing to hide.

Chris's star in "All My Sons" symbolizes his idealism and commitment to honesty. In Act 3, Jim explains that everyone has a personal star representing their moral integrity. Chris grapples with the revelation of his father's unethical actions during the war, and Jim suggests that Chris will eventually reconcile his ideals with the complexities of real-world ethics, understanding that absolute moral purity is unattainable in a world requiring compromise.

Chris Keller in All My Sons is primarily an idealist. His wartime experiences have strengthened his sense of right and wrong, making him frustrated when others don't share his black-and-white view. However, his delay in confronting his father's unethical business practices suggests a degree of realism or self-deception, leading to accusations of "phony idealism."

Chris's perception of Joe evolves throughout the play. Initially, Chris harbors suspicions about Joe's guilt, reflected in his reluctance to associate his name with the family business and the town's awareness of Joe's culpability. Chris's doubts are confirmed when Joe inadvertently contradicts himself, leading Chris to demand accountability. The revelation of Larry's suicide deepens Chris's anger towards Joe. Ultimately, Joe's realization of his responsibility for Larry's death drives him to suicide, leaving Chris conflicted about his actions.

Chris Keller’s self-deception contributes to the action of All My Sons as his steadfast belief in his father’s innocence yields to admitting Joe’s responsibility for shipping defective parts. Chris initially cannot believe his father was involved in unethical practices or allowed his partner to be blamed. Larry’s letter and Kate’s recollections about Joe’s health help change his mind. Chris withdraws his support from Joe, contributing to Joe’s decision to take his own life.

Chris Keller is symbolized as a Christ-like figure in "All My Sons" through his embodiment of truth, forgiveness, and a commitment to helping humanity. He acts as a moral compass, advocating for honesty and integrity, and encourages others to pursue altruistic endeavors. Chris's forgiveness is evident in his relationship with Ann Deever, despite her father's crimes. His demand for truth from his family, particularly regarding his father's deceit, highlights his role as a beacon of moral righteousness.

In her final words to Chris, "Live," Kate urges him not to bear the burden of Joe Keller's suicide. This moment follows Chris's plea for acknowledging personal and global responsibilities, as he grapples with the idea that his father's actions reflect on the family. Kate's directive seeks to free Chris from guilt over Joe's choices, emphasizing that Joe's actions were his own and not Chris's responsibility, thus addressing the tension between personal accountability and broader ethical obligations.

In All My Sons, Chris undergoes a transformation into a practical person as he faces the harsh realities of his family's actions and the consequences of his father's unethical business decisions. This change is driven by his realization of the need to deal with the practical implications of these moral failings and to seek a path forward that acknowledges these truths.