Changes

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 that 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 the<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</i>. London: Touchstone.</ref>

Neil Sheehan: Although not shown much during the film, he does play an important role as his exposure of the <i>Pentagon Papers</i> and other major stories is what caused the <i>The Post</i>, and namely Bradlee, to be obsessed in catching up to their rival. In effect, he shapes much of the story but is not shown significantly.<ref>For more on Sheehan, see: Sheehan, N. (1998). <i>A bright shining lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam</i>. London: Pimlico.</ref>

Richard Nixon: Another character that is an important player but having little camera time. In this case, his real voice was used in various parts of the movie. Nixon's paranoia, and eventually baring the <i>The Post</i> from the White House was displayed throughout the movie. He leads the government's efforts in stopping the leak that could damage his efforts, even though most of the leak covers periods before he became president. Nevertheless, Nixon saw the press as attempting to bring down his administration. The irony in trying to repress major stories is shown at the end, when the Watergate scandal is eventually exposed and damaged the Nixon White House with the <i> The Post</i> and other newspapers playing an important role once again.<ref>For more on the role of the Nixon administration and its role in the leak, see: Prados, J., & Pratt Porter, M. (Eds.). (2004). <i>Inside the Pentagon papers: symposium at the National Press Club in June 2001 to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the Pentagon papers</i>. Lawrence, Kan: Univ. Press of Kansas. </ref>