A homeless Vietnam veteran whom Bernie befriends and equips with a shoe to falsely claim credit for saving crash survivors. John accepts the fame and reward money, using it to help the sick and homeless. Despite ethical doubts, he embraces the inspirational role, survives a staged ledge stunt orchestrated by Bernie, and agrees to continue playing the public hero.
Gale develops romantic feelings for John while questioning the truth behind his heroic identity.
Gale helps build John's public image and the plot states that she begins falling in love with him, despite doubts about his authenticity.
Judge Goines represents a potential source of legal relief connected to the rescue scandal.
During the ledge scheme, John agrees to provide a letter to Judge Goines asking for a favorable word about suspending the prison sentence.
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