Character Relationships in Killing Them Softly

Jackie Cogan (played by Brad Pitt) is a protagonist in Killing Them Softly. A professional hitman and contract killer for the crime syndicate. He investigates the illegal poker game robbery, correctly suspects Markie is innocent but kills him anyway to set a deterrent example. He later tracks down the actual perpetrators, manipulates Frankie into revealing Squirrel's location, and executes all three targets while delivering cynical monologues on morality and business. Frankie (played by Scoot McNairy) is a protagonist in Killing Them Softly. A former business associate of Squirrel who helps plan and execute the armed robbery of Markie's poker game. After the heist, he is targeted by Jackie, who forces him to drive to Squirrel's location in exchange for his life, only to be executed by Jackie immediately afterward. Russell (played by Ben Mendelsohn) appears in Killing Them Softly. A heroin-addicted Australian immigrant who steals purebred dogs to fund his habit and participate in the robbery. He travels to Florida to sell the dogs but accidentally reveals the heist to an acquaintance, leading to the exposure of himself and his accomplices. He is ultimately arrested for drug possession before Jackie can reach him. Mickey (played by James Gandolfini) appears in Killing Them Softly. A highly respected hitman hired by Jackie to eliminate the remaining robbery suspects. Instead of carrying out the contract, he wastes time binge drinking and visiting prostitutes in a hotel. Jackie discovers this, arranges for Mickey's arrest and extradition, and takes over the hits himself. Markie Trattman (played by Ray Liotta) appears in Killing Them Softly. The organizer of the Mafia-controlled poker game targeted by the robbers. Previously victimized by an inside job, he becomes the initial prime suspect. Despite Driver's initial preference for a beating, Jackie insists on executing him to maintain criminal order, eventually shooting him from a car. Driver (played by Richard Jenkins) appears in Killing Them Softly. A mob lawyer who represents the crime syndicate's interests. He hires Jackie to investigate the poker game robbery and manage the fallout. He strongly opposes killing Markie initially but eventually relents. He is later seen arguing with Jackie over payment for the completed hits. Dillon (played by Sam Shepard) appears in Killing Them Softly. A professional hitman known to both Jackie and Driver. He learns from Kenny Gill that Russell, Frankie, and Squirrel are responsible for the poker game robbery, providing a crucial lead to the syndicate's enforcement.

Character Relationship Map: Killing Them Softly

Killing Them Softly (2012) Poster

Killing Them Softly (2012) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.

Characters

Key Relationships

Story Analysis

A cynical exploration of capitalism and violence during the 2008 financial crisis.

Plot Progression

  1. The Heist Setup
  2. Syndicate Fallout
  3. The Cleanup Begins
  4. Final Executions

Directed by Andrew Dominik

Killing Them Softly (2012) · 6/10 · crime, thriller

Content sources

Plot analysis generated from content on Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related entry on Wikidata (Q136264), public domain (CC0).