Denial

American professor of Holocaust studies who becomes the focus of the libel case. She is principled and steady, but the legal process also foregrounds how public scrutiny and strategic decisions shape the defense. She exerts quiet influence through writing and moral authority, even when her direct involvement is debated by her team.

British writer whose controversial claims about the Nazi era provoke the libel suit. He exudes self-assurance and tries to twist evidence to support his views, becoming the central antagonist of the defense. His rhetoric and tactics drive the media narrative and test the limits of historical argument.

Lipstadt's lead counsel, orchestrating the defense strategy and maintaining Lipstadt's trust. He navigates complex legal questions, pushes back against aggressive cross-examination, and seeks to present a precise, credible case. His approach blends legal craft with a concern for the case's ethical stakes.

Lipstadt's other lawyer who explains his approach and collaborates on the defense. He guides the courtroom tactics, coordinates expert testimonies, and supports Lipstadt while ensuring the case remains rigorous. His methodical style helps reveal Irving's distortions under cross-examination.

Historian who explains the operation of the gas chambers at Auschwitz, providing critical expert testimony. He grounds the defense in scholarly analysis, countering misinformation with technical detail. His presence illustrates the importance of credible academia in historical adjudication.

The judge who presides over the Libel trial and weighs the arguments. He is depicted as thoughtful and wary of sensationalism, focused on uncovering the truth while managing the courtroom’s dynamics. His ruling ultimately sides with Lipstadt's portrayal of Irving as deceitful.