  Interval graphs are intersection graphs of closed intervals. A generalization
of recognition called partial representation extension was introduced recently.
The input gives an interval graph with a partial representation specifying some
pre-drawn intervals. We ask whether the remaining intervals can be added to
create an extending representation. Two linear-time algorithms are known for
solving this problem.
  In this paper, we characterize the minimal obstructions which make partial
representations non-extendible. This generalizes Lekkerkerker and Boland's
characterization of the minimal forbidden induced subgraphs of interval graphs.
Each minimal obstruction consists of a forbidden induced subgraph together with
at most four pre-drawn intervals. A Helly-type result follows: A partial
representation is extendible if and only if every quadruple of pre-drawn
intervals is extendible by itself. Our characterization leads to a linear-time
certifying algorithm for partial representation extension.
