A Civil Action

Schlichtmann is lead counsel for the plaintiffs in the Woburn case. He is a successful young lawyer whose early successes and gambles in the profession have given him a sense of invulnerability. However, as will become clear during the case, he possesses self-destructive tendencies and a supreme inability to see beyond his own needs and/or urges at times. He is driven to work himself to the brink but is not always sure why he does it. Jan does not always understand his own motivations, and his efforts usually come at a great cost to himself and to others, highlighting The Danger of Obsession. He seems to enjoy very little in his life, which paints a poignant picture when he begins continually questioning the value of his life and work. Ultimately, he abandons the legal profession and moves to Hawaii after the case ends.

Facher is the lead counsel for Beatrice Foods. He is in his sixties, distinguished in the profession, and has a reputation for being a brawler in the courtroom. He enjoys pugnacious arguments and has a talent for intimidation. He is not a charismatic speaker, however, and combined with his haughty demeanor, it does not bond the jury to him.