The Wizard of Lies

Charismatic and inscrutable, Bernie becomes the architect of the largest Ponzi scheme in history, presenting himself as a trusted financial genius. He builds a public persona of legitimacy and philanthropy to mask the fraud. In the end, he shocks investigators with a frank admission of decades-long deception, even asking, 'Do you think I'm a sociopath?'

Bernie’s wife and a longtime beneficiary of the couple’s wealth. She rides the crest of their public image and then faces the collapse of their world as the fraud is exposed. The relationship frays as she confronts the consequences and ultimately distances herself from Bernie.

One of Bernie’s sons who grows up around the family business and grapples with loyalty to his father and duty to victims. As the scheme unravels, he is faced with a moral choice: expose the truth or protect his family. His struggle ends in tragedy as he is overwhelmed by the fallout.

The younger son who navigates the fallout of the fraud and its impact on his family. He confronts the consequences of his father’s actions and ultimately dies with memories of the family’s complex legacy. His farewell moment underscores the personal toll of the scandal.

A lawyer who becomes a critical voice urging accountability. He represents the legal pressure that ultimately pushes Bernie’s family to confront the truth and consider turning him in to authorities. His guidance anchors the legal response to the crisis.

Mark Madoff’s wife who is drawn into the social circle around the family while witnessing the unfolding crisis. Her perspective reflects the ripple effect of the fraud on those closest to the Madoffs. She embodies the personal dimension of how deceit disrupts ordinary lives.

A member of the social circle surrounding the Madoffs, whose presence highlights the expansive reach of the family’s wealth and influence. Her perspective offers a window into the lavish world the fraud funds. She stands as a witness to the consequences of deception at a community level.

The trustee who leads clawback efforts to recover losses for victims. His pursuit of justice places pressure on the Madoff family and investors alike, shaping the legal battle that dominates the latter part of the story. His role embodies the long arc of accountability that follows a financial collapse.