The Trial of the Chicago 7 - Characters & Cast

To expose the absurdity and corruption of the trial and the American establishment to the public, aiming for a broader cultural revolution.

Abbie initially appears to be a frivolous provocateur using the trial for stand-up comedy and theatrics. As the trial progresses, he reveals a deadly serious intellect and a deep moral core, proving that his disruptive methods are a calculated response to a farcical system [1.9].

To end the Vietnam War through legitimate political organization and electoral change.

A clean-cut, serious progressive who tries to play by the rules and despises the Yippies' antics. He eventually realizes the system is rigged against them all and embraces a more radical, defiant stance of solidarity by the film's climax.

To maintain strict, unquestioned order and heavily punish those he deems unpatriotic or a threat to national security.

He remains a static representation of institutional power. However, as he continually loses control of his courtroom to the defendants' defiance, he becomes increasingly vindictive, petty, and exposed in his prejudice.

To provide a fair and robust legal defense for his clients despite facing impossible, rigged odds.

A principled, somewhat weary lawyer who starts out believing in the neutrality of the law. As the trial becomes increasingly absurd and biased, he loses his faith in the system, shifting from a polite attorney to an outraged advocate.

To receive a fair trial with his own chosen legal counsel, refusing to be a passive prop in a racist legal proceeding.

Dragged into a trial he has virtually no connection to, Seale consistently and fiercely demands his constitutional rights. His arc highlights the brutal lengths the state will go to in order to suppress him, culminating in a mistrial for his case.