L.A. Confidential - Characters & Cast

Driven by a deep-seated need to live up to (and eventually surpass) the legend of his father, a heroic detective.

Begins as a rigid, by-the-book idealist and ends as a pragmatic, politically savvy leader who understands that the system requires a "hero" even if that hero has to shoot a man in the back.

A personal crusade to protect women from abusers, rooted in the childhood trauma of witnessing his father beat his mother to death.

Starts as a blunt instrument of violence used by his superiors; evolves into a man of conscience who finds his own agency through his love for Lynn Bracken.

Accolades, bribes, and the thrill of the Hollywood lifestyle, until he realizes he can't remember why he became a cop.

Initially a hollow celebrity cop addicted to the spotlight; undergoes a tragic awakening when his vanity leads to an innocent's death, prompting a final act of genuine police work.

Absolute power and the cold, Darwinian belief that he is the only one strong enough to "control" the city's chaos.

Maintains a fatherly, authoritative facade while secretly orchestrating the city's criminal takeover from within the police department.