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Characters & Themes

Protocol (1984) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
1984 · 96 min · English
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Directed by
Herbert Ross
Starring
Chris Sarandon, Gail Strickland, Kenneth Mars, Andre Gregory, Goldie Hawn, Cliff De Young

A nightclub waitress inadvertently stops an assassination, leading the State Department to recruit her as an unexpected asset. As Sunny Ann Davis navigates the complexities of diplomatic protocol, her charm captivates both government officials and rebel leaders. Her presence unexpectedly ignites a rebellion in Othar, potentially destabilizing international relations and creating unforeseen consequences.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Protocol
  8. 8 Every angle
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4 main characters · contains spoilers

Protocol Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Protocol (1984), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Sunny Ann Davis (Goldie Hawn)

    Sunny is portrayed as a bubbly yet naive cocktail waitress who unintentionally becomes a heroine. Her charm, intelligence, and sense of humor shine through her seemingly ditzy exterior. As the plot unfolds, Sunny demonstrates resilience, ultimately navigating complex political landscapes and embracing her role in public life.

    • 👩‍🎤 Protagonist
    • 🌈 Quirky
    • 🦸‍♀️ Heroine
  • Michael Ransome (Chris Sarandon)

    Michael is a sophisticated State Department official who provides guidance and support to Sunny during her press conferences. His character transitions from a professional ally to a romantic partner, showcasing his commitment to Sunny and his discontent with political manipulations. He serves as a moral compass, pushing back against the darker sides of government actions.

    • 🤵 Supportive
    • 💔 Romantic Interest
    • 💼 Political
  • Emir (Richard Romanus)

    The Emir represents the political intrigue and complexity of international diplomacy. His desire to marry Sunny as part of a trade agreement illustrates the intersection of personal lives with national interests. Through his character, the film explores themes of power, tradition, and the consequences of manipulation.

    • 👑 Authority
    • 🌍 Diplomatic
    • 📜 Traditional
  • Ambassador St. John (Gail Strickland)

    Ambassador St. John is a shrewd, politically savvy character who sees the potential in leveraging Sunny's fame for political dealings. Her perspective reveals the ethical ambiguities often at play in government decisions. She is a strong female presence, embodying the complexities of leadership and manipulation.

    • 👩‍⚖️ Ambitious
    • 🎭 Strategic
    • 🔍 Influential

Last updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

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Setting

Where and When Does Protocol Take Place?

The setting of Protocol (1984): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Modern Day

The story takes place in contemporary times, reflecting the dynamics of modern American politics and international relations. The events highlight the complexities of diplomatic exchanges and the role of individuals in the political arena. The modern setting also emphasizes issues relevant to society today, such as media influence and public perception.

Location

Washington, D.C., El Othar, Diamond Junction, Oregon

Washington, D.C. is the vibrant heart of American politics, known for its iconic monuments and as a hub for diplomatic activity. El Othar, a small but strategic Middle Eastern country, serves as a focal point for international relations, particularly with the United States. Diamond Junction, Oregon is a quaint hometown that represents Sunny's roots and her eventual return to local politics.

  • 🏛️ Government
  • 🌍 Middle East
  • 🏡 Hometown

Last updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

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3 major themes

Protocol Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Protocol (1984) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Heroism

    The theme of heroism is central to Sunny's journey, as her drastic actions inadvertently prevent an assassination and thrust her into the public eye. Her naive yet brave response to life-threatening situations showcases how ordinary people can become heroes in unexpected ways. This theme explores bravery mixed with absurdity, reflecting on how societal views of heroism can evolve.

  • Political Manipulation

    Throughout the film, characters manipulate situations for political gain, highlighting themes of power and sacrifice. Sunny becomes an unwilling pawn in a diplomatic scheme, raising questions about ethics and individual consent. This theme illustrates the complexities of political gamesmanship and the personal impact on those involved.

  • Love and Relationships

    Sunny's romantic entanglements and friendships are set against a backdrop of personal struggles and professional turmoil. Her evolving relationships, particularly with Michael Ransome, showcase the interplay between personal ambition and emotional connection. This theme emphasizes how love can provide support amidst chaos, ultimately leading to personal growth.

Last updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

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Character & theme questions

Protocol Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Protocol (1984): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Protocol set?

Protocol takes place across three main locations: Washington D.C. as the center of American politics and diplomacy, El Othar, a small strategic Middle Eastern country that becomes the focal point of international relations, and Diamond Junction, Oregon, which represents Sunny's hometown roots.

  • washington dc
  • el othar
  • diamond junction
  • settings
  • locations
Q2

What is El Othar in Protocol?

El Othar is a small but strategically important Middle Eastern country in the film. It serves as the focal point for international diplomacy and becomes the center of political intrigue when Sunny's unexpected presence ignites a rebellion that threatens international relations.

  • el othar
  • middle east
  • fictional country
  • diplomacy
Q3

What time period does Protocol take place in?

Protocol is set in contemporary modern times, reflecting the dynamics of current American politics and international relations. The modern setting emphasizes issues relevant to today's society, including media influence and public perception.

  • modern day
  • contemporary
  • time period
  • 1980s
Q4

What are the main themes of Protocol?

The film explores three primary themes: heroism, which examines how ordinary people can become heroes in unexpected ways; political manipulation, highlighting how individuals become pawns in diplomatic schemes; and love and relationships, showing how personal connections provide support amidst political chaos.

  • themes
  • heroism
  • political manipulation
  • love
  • relationships
Q5

Who is Sunny Ann Davis in Protocol?

Sunny Ann Davis is the protagonist, portrayed by Goldie Hawn as a bubbly but naive cocktail waitress who unintentionally becomes a heroine after stopping an assassination. Despite her ditzy exterior, she demonstrates charm, intelligence, and resilience as she navigates complex political landscapes.

  • sunny ann davis
  • goldie hawn
  • protagonist
  • waitress
Q6

Who is Michael Ransome in Protocol?

Michael Ransome is a sophisticated State Department official played by Chris Sarandon who guides Sunny during press conferences. He serves as both a professional ally and romantic partner, acting as a moral compass who pushes back against government manipulations while supporting Sunny's journey.

  • michael ransome
  • chris sarandon
  • state department
  • government official
Q7

Who is the Emir in Protocol?

The Emir is the ruler of El Othar, represented by Richard Romanus, who embodies political intrigue in international diplomacy. He seeks to marry Sunny as part of a trade agreement, illustrating how personal lives intersect with national interests and exploring themes of power and tradition.

  • emir
  • richard romanus
  • el othar ruler
  • king
Q8

Who is Ambassador St. John in Protocol?

Ambassador St. John, played by Gail Strickland, is a shrewd and politically savvy government character who recognizes the potential of leveraging Sunny's fame for political gain. She represents the ethical ambiguities in government decisions and serves as a strong female presence embodying the complexities of leadership.

  • ambassador st john
  • gail strickland
  • government
  • diplomat
Q9

What does the heroism theme mean in Protocol?

The heroism theme in Protocol explores how ordinary people can become heroes in unexpected circumstances. Sunny's naive yet brave response to life-threatening situations showcases this idea, while also reflecting on how societal views of heroism can evolve through absurd situations.

  • heroism
  • bravery
  • ordinary hero
  • accidental hero
Q10

How is political manipulation portrayed in Protocol?

Political manipulation in the film shows how characters exploit situations for political gain, with Sunny becoming an unwilling pawn in a diplomatic scheme. This raises questions about ethics and individual consent, illustrating the complexities of political gamesmanship and its personal impact.

  • politics
  • manipulation
  • conspiracy
  • government
  • diplomacy

Movie threads

More Movies Like Protocol, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Protocol tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Political comedies with unlikely heroes like Protocol

Where everyday people cause delightful chaos in the high-stakes world of politics. If you enjoyed the naive charm of Protocol's heroine causing diplomatic chaos, you'll love these other movies. This collection features comedies where ordinary people stumble into high-stakes political situations, using their unconventional methods to hilariously shake up the establishment.

  • satirical
  • charming
  • uplifting
  • chaotic
  • naive
  • optimistic
  • Tone: light, whimsical
  • Pacing: fast, chaotic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These stories typically follow a 'fish out of water' arc, where a protagonist with no formal training navigates a world of strict rules and protocols. Their journey involves a series of misunderstandings and accidental successes, leading to a climax where their unique perspective solves a problem that stumped the professionals, culminating in personal triumph.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared lighthearted tone, fast-paced comedic pacing, and the core premise of an unlikely individual disrupting a serious system. They blend political satire with a character-driven focus on personal growth and optimism.

Charming political satires with a light touch like Protocol

Humorous stories that playfully mock the absurdities of bureaucracy and authority. Fans of Protocol's whimsical take on diplomatic chaos will find more to enjoy here. These movies are lighthearted satires that poke fun at powerful systems—like government or media—without becoming dark or cynical, keeping the mood upbeat and the endings happy.

  • quirky
  • satirical
  • charming
  • uplifting
  • farcical
  • whimsical
  • Tone: quirky, satirical
  • Pacing: fast, playful
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a satirical premise where a systemic flaw or absurd rule is exposed through the actions of a charismatic or naive character. The plot builds through a series of escalating, humorous events that critique the system, but the conflict is resolved with charm and wit rather than anger, reinforcing a hopeful view of humanity.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their primary goal of delivering satire through a lens of lightheartedness and charm. They share a specific mix of a quirky tone, fast pacing, and straightforward plots that make complex topics accessible and entertaining, avoiding heavy emotional weight.

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Movies Like Protocol

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Every angle

Protocol (1984) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Protocol in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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