Arthur Poppington / Defendor (played by Woody Harrelson) is a protagonist in Defendor.
Protagonist and amateur vigilante working at a government construction depot. Suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome and a mentally underdeveloped mind, leading him to chase the delusion of Captain Industry. Arrested for assaulting a dry cleaner, he befriends Angel, gets beaten by corrupt detective Dooney, and is ultimately shot by Kristic. Dies in Angel's arms after confronting his mother's killer. Chuck Dooney (played by Elias Koteas) appears in Defendor.
Corrupt police detective whom Arthur believes works for Captain Industry. Arrests Arthur, brutally beats him with associates, and conspires with Kristic over an illegal shipment. Takes Angel hostage to silence Arthur. Shot in the testicles by Angel during her escape. Arrested and sentenced to prison. Grandpa Henry (played by David Gardner) appears in Defendor.
Roger Fairbanks (played by Clark Johnson) appears in Defendor.
Police captain in charge of Arthur's case. Recognizes Arthur's harmlessness and bonds with him over their grandfathers' shared World War I service. Releases Arthur after his arrest. Paul Carter (played by Michael Kelly) appears in Defendor.
Arthur's boss and close friend. Concerned about Arthur's living situation at the depot and offers him housing. Helps get Arthur to the hospital after he is shot. Initially tells Angel to leave, but later agrees to let a reporter publish a story about Arthur's vigilantism.
Defendor (2009) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Arthur Poppington / Defendor
(played by Woody Harrelson) — protagonist
Protagonist and amateur vigilante working at a government construction depot. Suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome and a mentally underdeveloped mind, leading him to chase the delusion of Captain Indus...
Chuck Dooney
(played by Elias Koteas) — supporting
Corrupt police detective whom Arthur believes works for Captain Industry. Arrests Arthur, brutally beats him with associates, and conspires with Kristic over an illegal shipment. Takes Angel hostage t...
Grandpa Henry
(played by David Gardner) — supporting
Roger Fairbanks
(played by Clark Johnson) — supporting
Police captain in charge of Arthur's case. Recognizes Arthur's harmlessness and bonds with him over their grandfathers' shared World War I service. Releases Arthur after his arrest.
Paul Carter
(played by Michael Kelly) — supporting
Arthur's boss and close friend. Concerned about Arthur's living situation at the depot and offers him housing. Helps get Arthur to the hospital after he is shot. Initially tells Angel to leave, but la...
Key Relationships
Arthur Poppington / Defendor → Grandpa Henry
(Family Grandfather)
Arthur Poppington / Defendor → Paul Carter
(Social Close Friend)
Arthur Poppington / Defendor → Roger Fairbanks
(Social Acquaintance)
Arthur Poppington / Defendor → Chuck Dooney
(Conflict Arch Enemy)
Story Analysis
A mentally vulnerable vigilante's delusional crusade against a fabricated nemesis intersects with real crime and genuine human connections.
Plot Progression
The Vigilante's Delusion
Allies and Adversaries
The Shipment and the Shooting
Truth and Consequences
Final Stand and Legacy
Directed by Peter Stebbings
Defendor (2009) · 6.4/10 · action, comedy, crime, drama
