Character Relationship Map: Thirteen Days

Characters

• Kenneth O'Donnell (played by Kevin Costner) — protagonist

  One of Kennedy's top advisers who contacts U-2 pilots to ensure they do not report being shot at, preventing forced retaliation under engagement rules.

• John F. Kennedy (played by Bruce Greenwood) — protagonist

  U.S. President navigating the Cuban Missile Crisis. He rejects immediate military strikes, implements a naval quarantine, and ultimately negotiates a secret missile withdrawal deal to avert nuclear wa...

• Robert F. Kennedy (played by Steven Culp) — supporting

  Kennedy's brother who serves as a secret negotiator. He meets Soviet Ambassador Dobrynin to demand Cuban missile removal, promising a non-invasion pledge and a secret future withdrawal of U.S. missile...

• Adlai Stevenson (played by Michael Fairman) — supporting
• McGeorge Bundy (played by Frank Wood) — supporting
• Dean Rusk (played by Henry Strozier) — supporting
• Ted Sorensen (played by Tim Kelleher) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

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

• Kenneth O'Donnell → John F. Kennedy (Professional Presidential Adviser)

  Kenneth O'Donnell is identified as one of Kennedy's top advisers. During the crisis, he contacts reconnaissance pilots to prevent reports of hostile f...

Story Dynamics

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

• McGeorge Bundy → John F. Kennedy (related)
• Ted Sorensen → Robert F. Kennedy (related)
• Dean Rusk → John F. Kennedy (related)
• Adlai Stevenson → John F. Kennedy (related)

Story Analysis

A presidential advisory team struggles to remove nuclear missiles from Cuba without triggering a war between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Plot Progression

1. The Missile Discovery
2. Choosing The Quarantine
3. Messages Across The Brink
4. The War Countdown
5. A Final Secret Bargain