"Citizen Kane" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In Orson Welles' classic film "Citizen Kane," a multi-layered exploration of power and the human condition, the characters play crucial roles in unraveling the complex narrative. Charles Foster Kane, the enigmatic protagonist, is a wealthy newspaper tycoon whose rise to power and subsequent downfall form the central arc of the story. Jedediah Leland, Susan Alexander Kane, and Emily Monroe Norton Kane are supporting characters whose relationships and interactions with Kane shed light on his character and motivations. Walter Parks Thatcher, Raymond "Ray" B. Gettys, and Jim W. Gettys are influential figures who contribute to the conflicts and challenges faced by Kane.

Character Descriptions

Charles Foster Kane

Charles Foster Kane, commonly referred to as Citizen Kane, is a captivating and larger-than-life character. As the owner of a vast media empire, he is a man of immense wealth and power. Kane's appearance is distinguished by his imposing stature and commanding presence. He possesses a charismatic charm that allows him to captivate those around him. However, under the surface, Kane carries a sense of loneliness and dissatisfaction that drives his relentless pursuit of success and influence.

Jedediah Leland

Jedediah Leland is a loyal and trusted friend of Charles Foster Kane. He serves as a journalist and critic at Kane's newspaper, The Inquirer. Leland is depicted as an older man with a sharp wit and a cynical outlook on life. He is often seen wearing glasses and exudes an air of intellectualism. Leland's role in the narrative is crucial, as he provides a counterbalance to Kane's ambitions and offers insightful commentary on his character.

Susan Alexander Kane

Susan Alexander Kane, the second wife of Charles Foster Kane, is a talented singer and socialite. She is portrayed as a beautiful and youthful woman, initially full of aspirations and dreams. However, her relationship with Kane becomes strained as he tries to mold her into an opera singer, causing her to lose her own sense of identity. Susan's character evolves throughout the story, reflecting the complexities of her marriage and the impact of Kane's influence on her life.

Emily Monroe Norton Kane

Emily Monroe Norton Kane is Charles Foster Kane's first wife. Although she appears only briefly in the film, her character is significant in understanding Kane's early life and the circumstances that shaped him. Emily is portrayed as an elegant and refined woman from a wealthy background. Her relationship with Kane is complicated, and her presence serves as a reminder of the elusive happiness that Kane spends his life searching for.

Walter Parks Thatcher

Walter Parks Thatcher is a wealthy banker who becomes Charles Foster Kane's guardian following his inheritance. Thatcher is depicted as an older man with a stern and serious demeanor. He represents the financial world and serves as a symbol of capitalism and the establishment. Thatcher's role in Kane's life is pivotal, as his influence contributes to shaping Kane's ambitions and ultimately leads to their conflict.

Raymond "Ray" B. Gettys

Raymond "Ray" B. Gettys is a powerful political figure in the film. He is the boss of Jim W. Gettys and is involved in a scandalous affair with Susan Alexander Kane. Ray Gettys is portrayed as a cunning and manipulative character who seeks to protect his own interests. His actions and interactions with Kane further complicate the narrative, adding layers of political intrigue and personal conflict.

Jim W. Gettys

Jim W. Gettys is a political rival of Charles Foster Kane. He serves as the boss of Raymond Gettys and is involved in a scandalous affair with Susan Alexander Kane. Jim Gettys is depicted as a corrupt and shrewd figure who uses his influence to manipulate and control those around him. His role in the story adds tension and conflict to Kane's political ambitions and personal life.

Character Traits

Charles Foster Kane

• Ambitious
• Charismatic
• Loneliness
• Idealistic
• Controlling

Jedediah Leland

• Witty
• Cynical
• Observant
• Loyal
• Insightful

Susan Alexander Kane

• Talented
• Vulnerable
• Conflicted
• Dependent
• Lost

Emily Monroe Norton Kane

• Elegant
• Refined
• Resilient
• Disillusioned
• Symbolic of lost happiness

Walter Parks Thatcher

• Stern
• Serious
• Influential
• Capitalistic
• Restrictive

Raymond "Ray" B. Gettys

• Cunning
• Manipulative
• Opportunistic
• Conniving
• Political

Jim W. Gettys

• Corrupt
• Shrewd
• Influential
• Ruthless
• Manipulative

Character Background

Charles Foster Kane

Charles Foster Kane was born into a modest family but inherited a considerable fortune at a young age, which shaped his future. His early life is marked by an incident where he is taken away from his family and placed under the guardianship of Walter Parks Thatcher. This event influences Kane's desire for power and control, as he becomes determined to prove himself and make a name for himself in the world of media. Kane's background and upbringing play a significant role in his character development and motivations throughout the story.

Jedediah Leland

Jedediah Leland's background is not extensively explored in the film. However, his long-standing friendship with Charles Foster Kane suggests a shared history and mutual understanding. Leland's role as a journalist and critic at The Inquirer indicates his passion for writing and storytelling. His background as a seasoned journalist gives him a unique perspective on Kane's rise to power and the consequences of his actions.

Susan Alexander Kane

Susan Alexander Kane comes from a relatively privileged background, but her dreams of becoming an opera singer are overshadowed by her marriage to Charles Foster Kane. Her background as a talented singer provides her with a sense of aspiration and ambition that is ultimately stifled by Kane's controlling nature. The complexities of Susan's background and her relationship with Kane contribute to her character's growth and transformation.

Emily Monroe Norton Kane

Emily Monroe Norton Kane's background is characterized by wealth and social status. Her marriage to Charles Foster Kane represents a union of two powerful families, but their relationship is strained by Kane's relentless pursuit of success. Emily's background serves as a contrast to Kane's humble beginnings, highlighting the different paths they have taken and the impact it has on their lives.

Walter Parks Thatcher

Walter Parks Thatcher comes from a wealthy and influential family. His background as a banker and powerful figure within the financial world shapes his views and approach to life. Thatcher's background reflects the influence of capitalism and the establishment, which he later imposes on Kane as his guardian. His background plays a significant role in the conflicts and power dynamics between him and Kane.

Raymond "Ray" B. Gettys

Raymond "Ray" B. Gettys' background is not explicitly explored in the film. However, his position as a political figure and his involvement in scandalous affairs suggest a background of power and influence. Gettys' background contributes to his manipulative and opportunistic nature, as he uses his position to further his own interests and exert control over those around him.

Jim W. Gettys

Jim W. Gettys' background is not extensively explored in the film. As a political rival to Charles Foster Kane, his background likely involves a history of political maneuvering and manipulation. Gettys' background as a corrupt figure within the political sphere adds depth to his character and creates further conflict within the narrative.

Character Arcs

Charles Foster Kane

Charles Foster Kane's character arc in "Citizen Kane" is one of rise and fall. At the beginning of the film, Kane is a young and ambitious man, driven by a desire to make a difference and challenge the existing power structures. As he gains wealth and influence, he becomes increasingly isolated and disconnected from those around him. Kane's pursuit of power ultimately leads to his downfall as he loses sight of his original ideals and succumbs to his own ego. His character arc serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting nature of power and the emptiness it can bring.

Jedediah Leland

Jedediah Leland's character arc in the film revolves around his evolving perception of Charles Foster Kane. Initially, Leland is a loyal friend and supporter of Kane, but as he witnesses the effects of Kane's actions and the erosion of his values, Leland becomes disillusioned. Leland's character arc reflects a growing cynicism and a recognition of the consequences of unchecked ambition. His arc adds depth to the narrative and offers a contrasting perspective on Kane's character.

Susan Alexander Kane

Susan Alexander Kane's character arc follows her transformation from a hopeful and ambitious young woman to a disillusioned and trapped individual. Initially pressured into a marriage she does not desire, Susan's dreams of becoming an opera singer are crushed by Kane's controlling nature. Her character arc highlights the devastating impact of Kane's influence and the loss of her own identity. Susan's arc serves as a reflection of the sacrifices individuals make in the pursuit of power.

Relationships

Charles Foster Kane and Jedediah Leland

The relationship between Charles Foster Kane and Jedediah Leland is one of friendship and intellectual camaraderie. Leland serves as a trusted confidant to Kane, offering him both support and critical insights. Their relationship undergoes strain as Leland becomes disillusioned with Kane's actions, leading to a rift between them. However, their bond remains significant throughout the narrative, representing a connection to Kane's past and a reflection of the consequences of his choices.

Charles Foster Kane and Susan Alexander Kane

The relationship between Charles Foster Kane and Susan Alexander Kane is characterized by manipulation, control, and the loss of personal autonomy. Kane's desire to mold Susan into an opera singer ultimately leads to the deterioration of their marriage and the loss of Susan's dreams. Their relationship serves as a symbol of the sacrifices and compromises that individuals make in the pursuit of power, highlighting the damaging effects it can have on personal relationships.

Charles Foster Kane and Emily Monroe Norton Kane

The relationship between Charles Foster Kane and Emily Monroe Norton Kane is a complex one. Their marriage represents a union of two powerful families, but their relationship becomes strained as Kane becomes consumed by his ambitions. Emily's presence in the narrative serves as a reminder of the happiness that Kane once had but ultimately lost. Their relationship adds depth to Kane's character and highlights the impact of his choices on those closest to him.

Charles Foster Kane and Walter Parks Thatcher

The relationship between Charles Foster Kane and Walter Parks Thatcher is one of power dynamics and control. Thatcher serves as Kane's guardian and influences the course of his life, shaping his ambitions and ideals. Their relationship becomes fraught with tension as Kane rebels against Thatcher's influence, leading to their eventual conflict. Their relationship serves as a representation of the clash between capitalism and individual freedom within the narrative.

Charles Foster Kane and Raymond "Ray" B. Gettys

The relationship between Charles Foster Kane and Raymond "Ray" B. Gettys is one of political rivalry and personal conflict. Gettys seeks to control Kane through his involvement with Susan Alexander Kane, using it as leverage against him. Their relationship adds layers of political intrigue and personal struggle to the narrative, highlighting the challenges that Kane faces in his pursuit of power.

Charles Foster Kane and Jim W. Gettys

The relationship between Charles Foster Kane and Jim W. Gettys is one of political rivalry and manipulation. Gettys uses his influence to control and manipulate Kane, threatening to expose his scandals and tarnish his reputation. Their relationship serves as a reflection of the corrupt nature of politics and the challenges that Kane faces in maintaining his power and influence.

In conclusion, the characters in "Citizen Kane" play essential roles in unraveling the complex narrative and exploring the themes of power and the human condition. Charles Foster Kane's character arc serves as the central focus of the story, with supporting characters like Jedediah Leland, Susan Alexander Kane, and Emily Monroe Norton Kane adding depth and perspective to his journey. The relationships between the characters further contribute to the conflicts and challenges faced by Kane, highlighting the consequences of his actions and the impact they have on those around him.