Affliction

A volatile, driven small-town policeman whose obsession with uncovering a supposed conspiracy consumes him. His increasing instability strains every relationship, especially with his daughter Jill and his partner Margie. His aggression and sense of entitlement push him toward dangerous decisions and brutal outbursts.

Wade's girlfriend who offers moments of stability but remains drawn into his turbulent world. Her loyalty and patience are tested as Wade's behavior becomes more erratic. She embodies a conflicted presence—caring yet ultimately caught in Wade's unraveling.

Wade's daughter, a focal point of family strife who bears witness to her father's escalating volatility. Her attempts to intervene highlight her resilience and fear in a volatile household. She embodies the collateral impact of Wade's violence on innocent bystanders.

Wade and Rolfe's alcoholic father, whose abusive treatment in their childhood leaves a lasting trauma. His presence is felt through brutal memories and a volatile dynamic with his sons. He represents the generational cycle of violence within the family.

Wade's brother and the film's narrator, who provides a cooler, more reflective perspective on events. He vacillates between skepticism and sympathy, attempting to make sense of Wade's actions and the family's past. His narration frames the story as a meditation on history and justice.

A local hunting guide whose evasive behavior and murky connections feed Wade's suspicions of a broader conspiracy. He becomes the central figure in Wade's pursuit of a hidden truth, culminating in a tense confrontation.

The man who was killed, with Wade believing it was murder rather than an accident. Twombley's intended testimony in a lawsuit makes him a potential liability for powerful locals. His death acts as the spark for Wade's fixation and the town's anxiety.

A town Selectman hand-in-hand with a wealthy developer, buying up property across the town. He embodies local political influence and the push toward development at what may be the expense of community values. His actions intersect with Wade's investigation, highlighting the collision between personal motive and public interest.

A wealthy developer linked to the town's expansion, driving the ski resort plans and economic shift. He represents money's capacity to steer local life and possibly obscure truth. His role underscores the theme of profit-driven transformation clashing with individual lives.