Character Relationship Map: The Fourth State

Characters

• Paul Jensen (played by Moritz Bleibtreu) — protagonist

  A German tabloid journalist who arrives in Moscow to work for a magazine owned by his late father's friend, Onjegin. After publishing an article about an assassinated journalist, Paul becomes involved...

• Katja (played by Kasia Smutniak) — supporting

  A journalist in Moscow who wants to publish an article about a reporter assassinated for criticizing the government. She works with Paul to get the story into print, becomes romantically involved with...

• Aslan (played by Mark Ivanir) — supporting

  A Chechen prisoner who leads the Chechens in the prison where Paul is held. After Paul is attacked by another inmate, Aslan protects him and explains how he and other prisoners lost their families dur...

• Dima (played by Max Riemelt) — supporting

  Paul's photographer partner at the Moscow magazine. He tells Paul that the man assassinated in the street was a well-known journalist whose television show was canceled after he criticized the governm...

• Onjegin (played by Rade Šerbedžija) — supporting

  A friend of Paul's late father who owns the Moscow magazine where Paul works. He visits Paul in prison and tells him that he will be held until his trial, then later helps him leave the country using...

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Paul Jensen → Dima (Professional Partner) — Dima is Paul's continuing journalistic and practical partner.

  The plot identifies Dima as Paul's photographer partner, and Dima later meets Paul after he escapes from the authorities.

• Paul Jensen → Katja (Romantic Partner) — Their romantic relationship becomes central to Paul's personal and legal crisis.

  Paul and Katja become intimate after leaving the protest rally and retreating to Paul's apartment, where they make love.

• Paul Jensen → Onjegin (Professional Employer) — Onjegin provides Paul's professional entry into Moscow's media world.

  Paul arrives in Moscow to work on a magazine owned by Onjegin, who is a friend of Paul's late father.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Aslan → Onjegin (Unknown Political Connection) — The two are connected through the film's political and Chechen-war context, although no direct meeting is shown.

  Aslan's account links terrorism, oil, and money, while Paul later confronts Onjegin with evidence about secrets surrounding the Chechen war.

• Katja → Onjegin (Alliance Escape Ally) — Katja remains connected to Paul's final departure and farewell.

  After Onjegin arranges Paul's departure, Paul bids farewell to Katja before leaving the country.

• Katja → Dima (Social Acquaintance Through Paul) — Katja affects the social relationship between Paul and Dima.

  Dima finds out about Paul's relationship with Katja and reacts by warning Paul about serious relationships with Russian women.

• Paul Jensen → Aslan (Alliance Protected Prisoner) — Aslan protects Paul and gives him guidance inside prison.

  Aslan saves Paul from an inmate's attack and takes him under his wing in the prison known as Little Chechnya.

Story Analysis

A journalist uncovers a political conspiracy after being framed for terrorism and forced to confront the people connected to his father's hidden history.

Plot Progression

1. A Journalist Enters Moscow — Paul arrives in Moscow and witnesses the assassination of a government-critical journalist. His cooperation with Katja turns a censored story into a personal investigation.
2. Love Beneath Surveillance — Paul and Katja grow closer while pursuing the murdered journalist's story. Their romance and Paul's unauthorized publication increase the pressure surrounding him.
3. The Prison Of Little Chechnya — A subway explosion leaves Paul accused of terrorism and facing a distant trial. In prison, Aslan protects him and reveals connections among war, terrorism, oil, and money.
4. Escape And Buried Secrets — After Aslan's murder, Paul escapes an arranged deportation and discovers that Katja is alive. He confronts Onjegin with evidence concerning concealed political secrets.