Character Relationship Map: The Buddha

Characters

• Narrator (played by Richard Gere) — protagonist

  Richard Gere narrates this PBS documentary, guiding viewers through the story of the Buddha’s life and the film’s exploration of Buddhist history, art, meditation, compassion, and mindfulness. His nar...

• Narrator (played by Blair Brown) — supporting
• Self (played by Tenzin Gyatso) — supporting

  Tenzin Gyatso is one of the contemporary Buddhists whose insights are featured in the documentary. His perspective contributes to its discussion of the Buddha’s life and teachings, alongside the film’...

• Self - Psychiatrist / Author (played by Mark Epstein) — supporting
• Self - Poet (played by William Stanley Merwin) — supporting

  William Stanley Merwin, identified in the film as a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, offers insight into the ancient narrative as one of the contemporary Buddhists featured. His contribution helps connect...