Character Relationship Map: Miss Representation

Characters

• Self (played by Katie Couric) — protagonist
• Self (played by Jane Fonda) — protagonist
• Self (played by Geena Davis) — supporting
• Self (played by Rosario Dawson) — supporting
• Self (played by Lisa Ling) — supporting
• Self (played by Catherine Hardwicke) — supporting
• Self (played by Amy Klobuchar) — minor
• Self (played by Dana Perino) — minor
• Self (played by Jan Yanehiro) — minor
• Self (played by Nancy Pelosi) — minor
• Self (played by Rachel Maddow) — minor
• Self (played by Gloria Steinem) — minor
• Self (played by Cory Booker) — supporting
• Self (played by Jennifer Siebel Newsom) — minor
• Self (played by Daphne Zuniga) — minor
• Self (played by Jennifer Todd) — minor
• Self (played by Margaret Cho) — supporting
• Self (played by Paul Haggis) — supporting
• Self (played by Candy Crowley) — supporting
• Self (played by Dolores Huerta) — supporting

Story Analysis

The documentary traces how media portrayals and institutional choices shape gender expectations, then calls for adults to challenge those messages and support equality.

Plot Progression

1. Media Messages Take Hold — The documentary examines how media and technology shape public life and children's emotions. It argues that gender messages are pervasive and teach girls to connect worth with appearance.
2. Ambition Meets Bias — A young participant recounts pursuing a role in youth government and running for governor. Sexist remarks and appearance-based judgment contrast with her call for girls to support one another.
3. Visibility and Authority — The film considers opposition to women appointed to senior public-safety roles and the abuse female broadcasters face. It links women's treatment to male-dominated hiring and decision-making in media.
4. Accountability and Change — The documentary challenges assumptions about audiences for stories about women and criticizes degrading imagery that reaches children with little guidance. It concludes by asking adults to challenge h...