Information Tool

Character Role Analysis

Thompson

Thompson doesn't really get much character development in this movie. But he's essential for making sure that we as an audience have all the information we need.

For example, his newsreel at the beginning of the movie is what gives us context for the story of Kane's life and why people are so interested in why he said "rosebud" with his dying breath.

He's also responsible for getting people in this movie to fill in the gaps of Kane's story by giving their personal accounts of him. Thompson is like the clear glue that holds the movie together: totally necessary but almost invisible.