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==Key Characters==
Katharine Graham: The character is a well known socialite and had come upon ownership of the newspaper with the death of her husband. Initially, she is shown as being unsure and less comfortable in her role. She agonized about publishing the <i> Pentagon Papers</i> not only because it could get her newspaper in trouble but also because it exposed deception by those who were her friends, including former presidents and McNamara. However, Katharine was a strong figure and she also thought about what was best for her paper and role in society, leading her to ultimately decide to run the story that continued exposure of the <i>Pentagon Papers</i> despite the advise of her lawyers warning not to publish. She was very much concerned with the effect the publication would have on the company's value, in light of the fact she felt many did not see her as fit to run a major newspaper.<ref>For more on Graham, see: Graham, K. (2002). <i>Personal history</i>. London: Phoenix.</ref>
Ben Bradlee: The movie depicts him as a determined figure trying to best <i>The New York Times</i>, with his efforts often frustrated. Sensing an opportunity, Bradlee moves on the potential story that can expose the government's deception about the Vietnam War. Bradlee sees that the exposure of the story could benefit the newspaper and allow it to finally reach a prominent national level on par with its main rival newspaper. However, he also agonized about the story, realizing he and others could be found in contempt and put in jail.<ref>Bradlee, B. (1997). <i>A good life: newspapering and other adventures. London: Touchstone.
Daniel Ellsberg: The most central figure in exposing the story was Ellsberg. He took great risk and nearly went to jail for his efforts, as he was brought to trail on espionage charges, which were later dropped in light of the court ruling. Ellsberg also seems to be fearful on what would happen but sees it as his moral responsibility, given how the war effort had unfolded and the lack of progress in fully ending it.