Krippendorf’s Tribe

A respected anthropologist and devoted father who struggles to support his three children after his wife's death. Facing scrutiny over grant funds, he invents an imaginary tribe and stages a faux documentary to keep his career and family afloat. His deception gradually spirals as he masquerades as a tribal elder and pulls his children into increasingly elaborate performances.

A rival anthropologist who grows suspicious of Krippendorf's work. She travels to New Guinea to verify his claims and discovers no Shelmikedmu tribe. She relays the truth to colleagues, leading to the gala revelation that exposes the fraud.

An anthropologist who contacts cable-TV producer Henry Spivey, forcing Krippendorf to continue producing fraudulent footage. She becomes entangled in the scheme and, after initially learning the truth, assists Krippendorf in maintaining the deception.

A cable-TV producer who seizes on Krippendorf's fraud to attract ratings. He collaborates with Veronica to produce the pretend documentary, becoming a willing participant in the deception while pursuing media success.

The eldest son whose imagination fuels the Shelmikedmu rituals. He eagerly participates in the performances, crafting increasingly elaborate rituals that help sustain the fraud and impress the adults around him.

The middle son who collaborates with his brother on the deception. He contributes to the rituals and reflects the mixed motives of children caught up in their father's scheme.

The daughter who initially resists her father's deception but ultimately aids the ruse by coordinating with real New Guineans to masquerade as Shelmikedmu when needed, complicating the truth.

Krippendorf's wife, whose death leaves him to raise the children alone and fuels his desperation to maintain his career and finances.