Character Relationship Map: Citizen Koch

Characters

• Self (played by David H. Koch) — protagonist

  David H. Koch is one of the Koch brothers whose political influence the film examines. The synopsis identifies him as a political and financial supporter connected to the film’s focus on support for W...

• Self (played by Russ Feingold) — protagonist
• Self (played by Ruth Bader Ginsburg) — supporting
• Self (played by Anthony M. Kennedy) — supporting
• Self (played by John McCain) — supporting
• Self (played by Antonin Scalia) — minor
• Self (played by John Paul Stevens) — minor
• Self (played by Clarence Thomas) — minor
• Self (played by John Roberts) — cameo
• Self (played by Samuel Alito) — cameo

Story Analysis

Examines how corporate wealth and political strategy reshape American democracy following landmark legal rulings.

Plot Progression

1. Legal Foundation & Rise — The Supreme Court ruling enables anonymous corporate spending, allowing plutocrats to directly shape political processes and back conservative candidates.
2. Campaign Conflicts & Labor — Strategic attacks on organized labor and grassroots Tea Party movements escalate as operatives coordinate multi-state political opposition.
3. Funding Crisis & Censorship — Public television withdraws support citing board conflicts, prompting filmmakers to launch a successful independent crowdfunding campaign.
4. Festival Premiere & Impact — The documentary debuts at Sundance, gains Oscar recognition, and sparks public debate over media censorship and political influence.