"Col. Frank Slade has a very special plan for the weekend. It involves travel, women, good food, fine wine, the tango, chauffeured limousines and a loaded forty-five. And he's bringing Charlie along for the ride."
Scent of a Woman - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Frank Slade
Al Pacino
Motivation
Initially seeks a final weekend of hedonism before suicide; ultimately motivated by the desire to protect Charlie from the same moral compromise he has witnessed in his own life.
Character Arc
Transition from a suicidal, nihilistic alcoholic to a man who finds purpose in defending the integrity of a younger generation.
Charlie Simms
Chris O'Donnell
Motivation
Driven by his scholarship status and financial need, but increasingly by his burgeoning respect for Frank and his own internal moral compass.
Character Arc
Develops from a passive, intimidated student into a man of principle who is willing to sacrifice his future to maintain his honor.
Mr. Trask
James Rebhorn
Motivation
Wants to protect the reputation of the Baird School and maintain order by punishing the "outsider" student.
Character Arc
Remains a static antagonist, representing the institutional hypocrisy that values social standing and "snitching" over actual virtue.
George Willis, Jr.
Philip Seymour Hoffman
Motivation
Fear of social and academic fallout; desire to maintain his privileged status without personal consequence.
Character Arc
Fails the moral test, choosing the safety of his father's influence over the truth and his friendship with Charlie.